Pickleball players need more than just a paddle. Whether it's a new pickleball bag, protective sunglasses, or even a training machine, there are plenty of extras to help boost your game.
Having tested hundreds of pickleball products in recent years, I'm here to help you find the very best pickleball accessories. Some are essentials for any serious player, while others will make a great pickleball gift. I use many of these on a near-daily basis. Let's dive into the list.
Best pickleball accessories at a glance
Pickleball bag
1. CRBN Pro Team Backpack
The CRBN Pro Team Backpack is the best pickleball bag in 2024. It's a comfortable, portable paddle backpack that's super spacious and durable.
Nourish your body and boost your performance with electrolyte supplements for pickleball players. The Pickleball Cocktail is a favorite of pros like Ben Johns.
The Erne is the ultimate pickleball accessory, a pickleball machine that will improve any player's game. It's high-tech, large, and has a great battery life.
Pickleball Effect Paddle Grip is my go-to overgrip. Comfortable and absorbent, its semi-tac design gives it the right amount of grip without being too sticky.
The Pro Team Backpack from CRBN not only looks great, it's designed to withstand lots of wear and tear, with a durable waterproof design. It fits three paddles easily in a thermal-lined paddle compartment.
There's a laptop sleeve for anyone traveling between work and the court. You'll also find compartments for your essentials, clothes, a towel, and pickleball balls. One of my favorite touches is the separate ventilated shoe compartment.
At $98.99 (when you include our exclusive 10% CRBN discount), this long-lasting pickleball backpack is great value for serious players.
My verdict
The CRBN Pro Team Backpack is ideal for anyone who wants a comfortable backpack with plenty of storage space. You can fit everything you need for game days, tournaments, clinics, training days, after-work sessions, and even pickleball trips away.
The importance of staying hydrated and healthy cannot be overstated and many players use vitamin and electrolyte supplements to keep them in peak shape.
The Pickleball Cocktail is one of the most popular and is endorsed by some of the best professional players. At under $1 per day, it's good value for active players who want to stay in shape.
The cocktail comes in blue raspberry or orange flavors. You can choose a jar of powder or 60 individual sachets for on-the-go hydration. Add it to your water to give you all the electrolytes, magnesium, and sodium you need, and the same potassium levels as two bananas. It's sugar and caffeine-free.
My verdict
The Jigsaw Pickleball Cocktail is a great supplement to keep your fluids balanced and replenished. Use it at home or pack it in your pickleball bag and you'll stay feeling your best on the courts. This supplement is even used by top players like Ben Johns and Simone Jardim.
The Erne is the best pickleball machine because it has a large ball capacity (150), a really long battery life (6 hours easily), and a great speed range (10-65 mph).
Even more impressively, it has preset drills that simulate real gameplay. On new models, you can customize each shot in a sequence to practice exactly what you want. Everything is run through a phone app and the machine constantly improves via software updates, making this the Tesla of pickleball.
At $1,799 (with our exclusive $100 discount), it's a pricey accessory but it's cheaper than many of its competitors, making it great value for players who want to invest in their game long-term.
My verdict
If you're looking to improve your game with a pickleball machine, the Erne is the best in the business. I've been drilling with it for months and it's helped me speed up my slow hands, sharpen my reaction time, and keep me agile and fit for game days and tournaments.
The Dink Master is the best pickleball training wall I've seen. Unlike many that stick onto an actual wall, the Dink Master is a board on wheels so you can bring it anywhere, including your local courts, and it tilts so you can change the angle of your shots.
This is a great budget alternative to a pickleball machine. Drilling with the Dink Master lets you improve your accuracy, reactions, and fitness whenever you want so you don't have to wait for a training partner.
My verdict
The Dink Master is a top pickleball accessory for anyone looking to clock in some solo practice time. It can be used almost anywhere, is easily transportable, and will sharpen your skills in no time. Read my guide on the best pickleball drills to help level up your game.
A good overgrip is one of the most important accessories pickleball players can have in their bag as sweaty hands can make you lose your grip on the paddle. I keep Pickleball Effect grips in my bag and I highly recommend this great-value 4-pack.
I like the slightly thicker design. It doesn't feel too clunky, striking the right balance of comfort and moisture absorbance.
My verdict
Overgrip is an essential accessory for pickleball players and the Pickleball Effect Paddle Grip is my favorite. Reliable, durable, comfortable, and moisture-absorbing, it keeps my sweaty hands from affecting my play.
This paddle eraser, made from CRBN's proprietary blend of rubber, is extremely efficient at cleaning up your carbon paddle. I use it to take off ball fibers, residue and dirt, and even clean up minor scratches on my paddle surface. Shaped like an eraser, it's easy to hold and scrub with.
This is a great accessory for anyone with a carbon paddle as tiny bits of dirt and plastic debris from pickleball balls can clog up the grooves, giving you less control and spin on your shots. At just $15, it's an easy investment in your paddle's longevity, making sure the grit works the way it's supposed to.
Note: this is designed specifically for carbon fiber paddles so don't use it on Kevlar®, titanium, fiberglass, graphite, or other paddles.
My verdict
Keep your carbon fiber paddle performing and looking its best with the CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser. This is a handy accessory to give your paddle a quick restoration whenever it needs.
A portable pickleball net is a great accessory to own. It lets you set up a game anywhere there isn't a permanent pickleball net, whether that's at home, in a park, or on a multi-use court.
The SwiftNet 2.1 is my top recommendation. It suits beginners to advanced players and coaches. It's really light at just 17 lbs, making it a breeze to transport to and from the courts. Its design is amazing with a boom frame that you pull into place with cords.
This makes it easy to assemble in under five minutes yet super sturdy. You get way better tension than a Velcro system. There's no center post to get in the way either, and the carbon fiber feet are neatly tucked away. It's a great investment at just over $350.
My verdict
I picked the SwiftNet 2.1 as the best pickleball net in 2024 because it has a really strong construction for a portable net. It's also one of the lightest and easiest nets to set up and it comes at a great price, cheaper than many of its mid-range rivals.
Today’s best deals
Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS and get free pickleballs and a duffel bag
PB5star specializes in "game gear" just for pickleball players and I'm a big fan of their crew socks. They look great off the court and they really shine when you're playing, training, or going to the gym. They're made from top-quality cotton that's comfortable and athletic and stands up to hard wear, sweat, and repeated washes.
I've been wearing these for at least six months and they're still in great shape despite the rigorous tests I've put them through. They're $18 a pair but you won't find better pickleball socks than these.
My verdict
PB5star Crew Socks are my favorite socks for the pickleball courts because they're soft and comfortable but they hold up so well. They'll last you a long time and they make a great pickleball gift or stocking filler too.
I use this Tungsten Tape to balance out the weight of my paddles and extend their sweet spots to my liking. Lead tape is more common but lead is toxic while tungsten is not. I like knowing this tape is safer for my health.
It's easy to apply, with a strong adhesive that doesn't easily come off. You can cut it to your desired length.
My verdict
This Tungsten Tape is my go-to for adding weight to my paddles. I have to hand it to Braydon Unsicker at Pickleball Effect, who designed it. It's just as good as lead tape but it's non-toxic.
Pickleball can be tough on the knees over time, especially if you have previous injuries. A knee brace is a must-have accessory for anyone suffering from discomfort or pain in the knees. This 2-pack from Cambivo is one of the most popular and offers great value for money.
They are specially woven to give added stability and support to the whole knee area, taking the pressure off the joint while improving circulation. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and have non-slip rings on the interior to keep them in place. They're also lightweight and breathable, allowing you to move your legs with ease.
My verdict
These knee braces not only help to strengthen your knees, they can allow you to play pickleball with less fear, as you feel confident your joints are supported. They're highly rated and come at a great price in a pack of two.
Sukeen towels are really cool (pardon the pun). You soak them in water, wring them out, shake them a few times, and voila—you've got a cooling towel that stays chilled for up to three hours.
They're soft too, made from microfiber that's really good for absorbing sweat. These lightweight towels come in 4-packs at a great price, with lots of nice color choices. Each towel has a handy storage pouch with a carabiner to clip onto your pickleball bag and carry with you everywhere.
My verdict
The Sukeen Cooling Towels are no gimmick. They're super-effective at cooling you down and are a very welcome relief if you're someone who sweats a lot or plays pickleball in high temperatures. I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I can confirm they really work!
I picked this TICONN 2-pack because it's great value and one of the most popular neck gaiters on Amazon. Made from breathable, stretchy fabric, it's wind-proof, sun-proof, and great at wicking away moisture when you're playing pickleball. It's machine washable too!
This versatile accessory can be worn as a scarf, hairband, neck cover, face cover, and hood. In fact, there are 12 ways to wear it. It's super light and easy to pack for game days.
My verdict
This 2-pack of neck covers for under $10 is great value. It has a universal fit and can be worn in so many styles that make it suitable for all pickleball players. It's great to have in the summer to keep the sun off your skin.
The score-keeping Point Band wristband is the first of its kind. Like some of the best ideas, it's quite simple. This is basically a slap bracelet that you wear when playing pickleball. It has magnets that slide up and down so you can adjust it to help you keep your score from 0 to 11. It also helps you track the server number in doubles games.
These bands are made with silicone and rubber so they're comfortable to wear, not some cheap plastic wristband. The magnets are strong and stay on even when you're swinging hard. The inventor is a big pickleball player and claims to have never lost a magnet.
Every Point Band comes in its own case with a carabiner clip and you get three extra magnets.
My verdict
These Point Bands are great for anyone who struggles to keep score, or who doesn't want to worry about who's serving. They make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for pickleball fans too.
If you suffer from back pain, or you simply don't like collecting pickleball balls (like me), the Tourna Pickleball Tube is the ideal accessory for you. I use it on training days to quickly gather 17 balls at a time.
They pop in but don't fall out of the tube. Then I dump them into the ball hopper of my pickleball machine. It makes practice so much more enjoyable.
This tube is lightweight and effortless to carry. It's well-built and sturdy enough to leave outside. I like the built-in fence hook so you can hang it off the ground and out of the way when playing.
My verdict
This ball retriever from Tourna is a valuable accessory for pickleball coaches, organizers, and players, allowing you to save your back for play rather than tidying up. It makes practice days fun and pain-free.
Protect your skin while keeping cool on the courts with these popular arm sleeves from Outdoor Essentials. They offer over 98% protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays, so you can avoid the endless routine of applying and reapplying sunscreen and focus on your pickleball instead.
They also keep your arms from overheating with their "Cool Vent" fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin.
With plenty of color options and packs of two, three, four, and six, there's lots of choice. They're great value for money and they fit almost all arm lengths and sizes thanks to their 4-way stretch fabric.
Check out my list of the best pickleball clothing, which includes these sleeves from Outdoor Essentials.
My verdict
I hate putting on sunscreen and I also like to stay cool on the courts so these arm sleeves from Outdoor Essentials are right up my alley. They fit like a charm and don't slip down my arms when I'm playing.
Franklin Sports Pickleball Gloves are made with the same premium leather as Franklin's famous MLB batting gloves. They're some of the most popular gloves for pickleball players because they have extra padding for a cushioned and comfortable paddle grip. These gloves wick away sweat and moisture really well to prevent your paddle from slipping in your hands.
I like that these gloves are fingerless because I like having a proper feel on my paddle. The wrist strap keeps them snug and tight on my wrist too. They're very well priced at $15-20 per glove.
Franklin Pickleball Gloves improve your grip while reducing the stress on your hand to keep you playing comfortably for longer. They're some of the highest-rated gloves for pickleball players and I definitely recommend them if you want to avoid hand or wrist fatigue.
There's nothing complicated here—this is a solid headband, plain and simple. HEAD is a respected tennis brand and this stretchy 90% nylon headband fits comfortably. If you want to keep your eyes and face sweat-free so you can focus on the ball, this is a great accessory to have. It absorbs moisture really well to keep your head dry.
Currently retailing for $5.50, this is great value for money. There are at least five colors to choose from, so you can mix and match them with your pickleball clothes.
My verdict
A solid sports headband from a top brand, the HEAD headband is a great pickleball accessory. It's affordable, comfortable, and moisture-absorbent. It looks cool too, with the recognizable logo for a sleek and simple design.
Pickleball paddles can be costly pieces of equipment, so protecting them is a priority. These paddle covers from Palms-O-Aces are lined with 3 mm foam and feature a breathable, durable, and water-resistant canvas outer, finished in a variety of attractive designs.
You can choose from two cover sizes: standard-sized paddle or elongated paddle. The zip is heavy duty and the whole case weighs just 1.75 oz.
My verdict
For anyone wanting to look after their prized paddle, a cover is a must-have accessory. I like these Palms-O-Aces paddle covers because they're great value for money and they come in different sizes and styles to suit any player.
The ONIX Portable Pickleball Cart is great for coaches, trainers, clinic and camp organizers, as well as players who like to practice. It holds 120 balls and rolls smoothly around the courts on strong swivel wheels that lock in place.
Made from lightweight aluminum and a durable nylon bag, it's a long-lasting cart that folds away for easy storage.
This is great for multi-use facility owners too as it can be used for tennis balls, baseballs, and other sports. It's a little pricey at $150 but it's worth it if you're willing to invest as it's more premium than the cheaper alternatives you can find.
My verdict
Strong and well-designed for easy storage, transportable in a vehicle, and great for wheeling around a court, the ONIX Travel Pickleball Cart is a long-lasting and durable ball holder.
Pickleball for Dummies is a great bedside or coffee table book for pickleball players of all levels. It's full of tips and techniques for your game and covers all the rules of pickleball.
It's easy to read, written in the trademark "how-to" style of the famous "For Dummies" series with informative graphics and colorful pictures. You'll get a history of the game from the 1960s to its current state as the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
There's tips from experts and pros on shot techniques, how to raise your skill level, and advanced strategies. There's great information on how you can get more involved in the pickleball community and organize tournaments too.
My verdict
Learn the rules of pickleball and get lots of tips and techniques for your game with Pickleball for Dummies. This is a fun and informative book. It makes a great pickleball gift too.
The Melin A-Game Hydro Performance Snapback Hat is the one I wear when I'm playing pickleball. It fits snugly and has a premium feel. It's held up so well after months of intense play, much more than any performance cap I've had before.
This is a breathable hat that's amazing at wicking away sweat. It's made from antimicrobial, floatable, water-repellent fabric.
It's a bit expensive at $69 but if you're someone who cycles through hats that don't last, try it out. It can save you money in the long run.
HEAD is one of the best tennis and pickleball brands and their wristbands are perfect for pickleball players. They keep things simple with a nice clean design with their iconic logo on it, which looks great.
Made from stretchy 90% nylon, these wristbands fit snugly and absorb moisture so well. They come in plenty of colors to match your pickleball clothing.
My verdict
HEAD wristbands are some of the most popular. They come from a brand you can trust and at an affordable price. They're made in the USA too.
Drilling is the best way to fast-track your pickleball skills. Designed for just that, these sports cones from Franklin are lightweight, visible, and flexible in case you step on them.
They're ideal for practice sessions and can do wonders for your game, giving you hours of precision training. Use these cones for accuracy practice by aiming for them using different shots, as well as a whole range of other pickleball drills.
My verdict
Practice makes perfect, and the Flexi Cones from Franklin Sports are an affordable and highly effective pickleball practice accessory.
CRBN Pivot Pickleball Glasses are great for playing in any time of day or night. They come with a primary lens that adjusts to sunlight, going from clear to dark, so you can wear them at nighttime, indoors, and in full sun.
There's an additional amber lens included too. You can wear them full frame or open frame and the rubber nose and arms are adjustable to fit anyone.
These specialized pickleball glasses come in at $95 but we have an exclusive 10% discount on the CRBN store for our Pickleheads readers. Get them for $85.50.
My verdict
The CRBN Pivot Pickleball Glasses are fully adjustable to your comfort. They adapt to the light, protecting your eyes no matter when you play.
I like this super-sized water jug from Under Armour for many reasons. For one, it holds a huge 64 oz (or half-gallon) so I don't have to keep refilling it. It's foam insulated so it keeps your drinks cold for hours. It's incredibly durable and can withstand wear and tear and being dropped.
Some large water bottles like this are hard to hold but there's a strong handle on the side here, as well as a non-slip grip. It's leak-resistant, the lid is dishwasher safe, and it's made without BPA and lead. Lastly, there's a fence hook built in so you can hang your bottle out of the way during a game.
My verdict
This is a cool-looking water bottle with a ton of color choices and the instantly recognizable Under Armour logo and style. Even better, it's huge, long-lasting, easy to carry, and great at keeping your beverages cold.
This MEDVICE gel wrap set comes with two gel packs and one adjustable strap to hold the wrap snug to your body. I like to keep one wrap in my freezer to use as an ice pack. I store the other one away and use it as a heat pack when needed, by simply heating it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. They're so handy to have when you return from the courts with any niggling pains.
I bought these reusable wraps because they were some of the best-reviewed on Amazon but I didn't expect them to be this good. I've had mine for over two years now and they still work as new. The Velcro strap hasn't lost any of its strength and the gel packs are still in top shape.
My verdict
These hot and cold compresses work great on aching muscles and inflammation. Use them as ice or heat packs as needed. The holder and strap are super strong and allow you to wear the gel pack snugly on your body and still move around unhindered if you wish.
The outdoor cloth court tape is great quality, made from cloth with a polyethylene coating. You can use it outdoors and even on indoor surfaces like carpets.
It sticks better than cheaper alternatives because the underside is made from natural rubber with strong adhesive, making it less likely to twist or curl up when you're applying it. The low-gloss finish means you won't have issues with light reflecting off it, like you do with shiny tape. It's water-resistant on both sides too.
Choose white, red, or yellow tape and cut with scissors, or even tear by hand, to create the lines you need for a temporary court. It might seem pricey at $24.29 (with our 10% Pickleball Central discount included) but each roll is 200 feet in length so it will last you a really long time.
My verdict
The Outdoor Cloth Tape is the best court tape I've used to create lines for a makeshift court. It's super strong and resilient to weather and contact. It looks great and it lasts ages.
If you want to bolster the edge guard that's on your paddle, try this Edgeguard Tape from Six Zero for extra protection. It's also great to put on if you have an edgeless paddle like the Six Zero Infinity Double Black Diamond Control and need increased durability.
Made from a lightweight multidirectional weave, it's easy to apply and really strong. It makes sure that when you bang your paddle off the ground, the tape takes the knock, leaving your paddle in great shape.
Each tape is 32 inches long and it comes in a pack of three with seven different color choices. It's $18 per 3-pack but don't forget you can take 10% off across the Six Zero store with our exclusive discount code.
My verdict
Shield your paddle and extend its shelf life with some Edgeguard Tape from Six Zero. This robust protective tape guards your paddle's edges from scrapes and scratches.
Today’s best deal
Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS
How to choose the best accessories for pickleball
When you're looking for the ideal pickleball accessory, there are three main factors to keep in mind: function, quality, and price point.
Function
Can this accessory improve your game? Will it make you more comfortable? Will it help you play safely?
Sunglasses, for example, can help you play better while also protecting your eyes from sun damage. Meanwhile, a good pair of pickleball socks might make you comfortable, but are unlikely to improve your backhand!
Quality
Before buying any pickleball accessory, consider whether it's good quality. As it's likely to get a pounding on the courts, you'll want to choose durable materials (e.g. strong stitching and zipping). Most importantly, read the reviews!
People with real-life experiences of each pickleball accessory volunteer their views and opinions in the reviews section. So, reading about their experiences will help you find out if the product is worth buying.
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
That wraps my list of the best accessories for pickleball players. There's a wide range of options here and I hope I helped you find something you like. Here's a recap of the top 5 accessories:
I put the CRBN Pro Team Backpack at the top of the list because it's one of the handiest items to have, to carry your paddle and essentials to and from the courts. There are accessories for lots of other needs too, though.
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!
FAQs
The most popular pickleball accessories are sunglasses and paddle covers. Protect your eyes and your paddle—the two most important components of your pickleball game!
Pickleball accessories can definitely improve your game, depending on what area you want to improve. A pickleball machine is sure to hone your skills, while a pickleball glove can improve your grip.
Any of the products on our list would make great gifts for the picklehead in your life. Consider what that person would benefit from most.
This all depends on your budget, but there's no need to break the bank. Pickleball accessories on Amazon range from $10 to $2000, so you have tons of choices!
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
Share this article
Join the fastest growing pickleball community
...
members
Join a community of pickleball players and find new friends to play with.
...
games
Browse games and open play sessions anywhere you go.
...
locations
Find every place to play pickleball in your local area.
...
cities
Now available worldwide. Find courts & games anywhere!