Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners Under £100 (2026)

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Your first tennis racket does not need to cost £150 or more. A beginner usually benefits more from a forgiving head size, manageable weight and a frame that arrives ready to play than from advanced specifications designed for experienced competitors.

We reviewed the beginner-suitable adult rackets currently listed through Racket Life and selected five options below £100. They cover very different needs: the lowest-cost first racket, easy all-round handling, extra forgiveness, a lighter graphite frame and a step-up choice with more room to progress.

Sweatband prices and purchase availability were rechecked on 12 October 2026 for the selected grip sizes shown below. Prices are in GBP, exclude any delivery charge, and can change. Confirm that your required grip is available before ordering. This is a specification-led guide, not hands-on racket testing.

If you are deciding between two light graphite Babolat options at about £75, see our Babolat Boost Aero vs Boost Drive comparison for the head-size, balance and player-fit differences.

If the Boost Aero is already on your shortlist, our Babolat Boost Aero review checks its specifications, current retailer listing and who the frame may suit before you choose.

Before choosing the lowest price: match your grip size first. Grip 3 is 4⅜ inches; ask a coach or racket specialist if you are unsure. Then compare the delivered total and whether you want an aluminium starter frame or graphite for regular lessons.

Best beginner tennis rackets under £100 at a glance

All five models had an available purchase variant in the 12 October retailer check. The FX Start and Federer Open offers are Grip 3; do not buy an unsuitable grip to obtain the lowest price. Availability can change. £22.95 and £49 are item prices below Sweatband’s free-delivery threshold: include delivery in your comparison. Free delivery over £50 applies only to eligible postcodes; confirm your final total.

Quick shortlist: choose the Wilson Federer Open 103 if you want a forgiving all-round starting point, the Head IG Speed Xceed if easy handling matters most, or the Dunlop FX Start 100 if you want to keep the initial cost as low as possible. Use the named retailer buttons to check the exact model, grip and final delivered total.

1. Wilson Federer Open 103 — best overall for most beginners

The Wilson Federer Open 103 combines a 103in² head with head-light balance. The larger-than-standard head offers a little more hitting area, while the head-light setup is intended to keep the racket manoeuvrable.

It arrives pre-strung with a 16x19 pattern and uses Wilson's Arc 2 and Double Holes designs. The practical point for a new player is that it is ready to use and positioned for accessible all-round performance rather than a demanding, specialist playing style.

Choose it if: you want a reasonably priced first racket with a forgiving head and balanced all-round specification.

Consider another option if: you already know that you want the lightest possible frame or a more progression-focused graphite racket.

2. Dunlop FX Start 100 — best budget first racket

At the time of checking, the Dunlop FX Start 100 was the lowest-priced adult beginner option in this shortlist. It has a 100in² head, a 16x19 string pattern and a head-light aluminium frame.

It is supplied pre-strung, which makes it a straightforward option for lessons, occasional social tennis or deciding whether you want to commit to the sport before spending more.

Choose it if: price and ready-to-play convenience are your priorities.

Consider another option if: you already play regularly and want a graphite frame with more long-term development potential.

3. Head IG Speed Xceed — best lightweight value

The Head IG Speed Xceed weighs 270g and uses a 100in² head with head-light balance. That combination is intended to provide easy manoeuvrability without moving to an oversized head.

Its Innegra construction is designed to improve stability and shock absorption, while the open 16x19 pattern supports accessible power and spin. It also arrives strung and ready to play.

Choose it if: you want a lighter adult frame that should be easy to prepare and swing.

Consider another option if: you prefer the additional hitting area of a 103in² head.

4. Wilson Pro Staff Precision 103 — best graphite option below £80

The Wilson Pro Staff Precision 103 pairs a graphite frame with a 103in² head, head-heavy balance and a slightly extended 27.25-inch length. That creates a different proposition from the head-light rackets above: more mass is positioned toward the head, and the extra length is intended to support reach and power.

It is pre-strung with a 16x20 pattern and uses Wilson's Perimeter Weighting System to improve torsional stability.

Choose it if: you want a larger head, a graphite frame and help producing depth.

Consider another option if: you value the quickest possible handling or have not yet tried a head-heavy racket.

5. Babolat Boost Aero — light graphite option for regular play

The Babolat Boost Aero has a 260g graphite frame, 102in² head, published 340mm balance and 16x19 string pattern. Its larger head and low frame weight offer a different starting point from the smaller-headed, heavier options above. Sweatband listed the yellow racket at £75 with an enabled purchase option for Grip 0 when checked on 12 October 2026; other grip availability can vary.

It is supplied pre-strung. These specifications are useful for a beginner taking regular lessons, but they cannot establish how the racket will feel in every hand or guarantee comfort or power. Compare the head size, weight and available grip with your current racket or a coach’s recommendation.

Choose it if: you want a lighter graphite frame and a slightly larger head for regular learning and practice.

Consider another option if: you prefer more frame weight for stability, or the available grip size does not fit.

How to choose your first adult tennis racket

Head size

A larger head gives you more string-bed area and can make off-centre contact less punishing. The rackets here use 100in², 102in² or 103in² heads, all reasonable starting points for adults. A 102–103in² head offers a little more hitting area; a 100in² head is a common all-round size that can remain useful as you improve.

Weight and balance

Static weight does not tell the whole story. Head-light rackets generally feel easier to position, while head-heavy frames can provide extra momentum through the ball. If possible, hold or demo a racket before buying—especially if you have a history of wrist, elbow or shoulder discomfort.

For more comfort-focused choices, see our arm-friendly tennis racket guide.

Grip size

An unsuitable grip can make the racket harder to control. Check the available grip size on the retailer page rather than assuming every size is in stock. If you are between sizes, ask a coach or racket specialist to check your hand and playing grip.

Pre-strung or frame only

All five choices above are described as pre-strung or ready to play on their Racket Life product pages. That removes the immediate cost and complexity of choosing a separate string setup.

Our verdict

The Wilson Federer Open 103 is the strongest all-round starting point for a player who wants useful forgiveness at a moderate price. Choose the Dunlop FX Start 100 when the lowest initial cost matters most, or the Head IG Speed Xceed for lightweight handling and a ready-to-play 270g frame.

If you are taking lessons and expect to play regularly, compare the Babolat Boost Aero for its 260g graphite frame and 102in² head. Its £75 yellow-version Sweatband offer had an enabled purchase option for Grip 0 on 12 October 2026; confirm your desired grip before ordering.

Browse the full Racket Life tennis collection to compare more rackets and equipment. Buying for a child instead? Use our junior tennis racket size guide before choosing a length.

Frequently asked questions

How much should a beginner spend on a tennis racket?

You can buy a ready-to-play adult beginner racket for well below £100. Occasional players may be well served by a lower-cost frame, while someone taking regular lessons may prefer to spend more on a lighter graphite option that offers room to progress.

Is a lighter tennis racket better for beginners?

A lighter racket can be easier to prepare and swing, but balance, head size and stability also affect how it feels. Do not choose on weight alone.

Is a 100in² head suitable for a beginner?

Yes. A 100in² head is a widely used all-round size. Players who want a little more hitting area can consider one of the 103in² options in this guide.

Do these rackets arrive strung?

The retailer listings describe these five rackets as pre-strung or ready to play. Check the current product listing before ordering because specifications and stock can change.