Badminton is a racket sport, and similar to paddle ball or tennis, you can play it recreationally on indoor or outdoor courts. Badminton can be played as doubles or individually, and it’s low-impact but still offers a solid full-body workout.
If you’re looking for a sport that requires minimal investment in equipment, badminton is a great choice—all you need is a racket, shuttlecock (a feathered, dome-shaped “ball”), a net (although you could also play without), a partner, and comfortable shoes. Picking the right equipment—particularly the racket—is critical for optimal performance. When choosing a badminton racket, pay attention to its weight, style, your skill level, and the balance type you’re looking for (how you would like the weight of the badminton racket to be balanced).
Reviewed & Approved
Our best overall pick, Senston’s N80 Graphite Single High-Grade Racket supports a range of playing styles and levels. If you’re an advanced player looking for a higher-end racket, we recommend Yonex’s Astrox 100 ZZ.
To help you nail down your search, we researched top rackets based on the style of play they’re good for, weight, balance, durability, and cost.
According to our research, here are the best badminton rackets on the market.
A great option for a wide range of playing styles, the Senston N80 offers excellent value at a low price point—making it our best overall pick. The racket is incredibly lightweight and classified as 5U, which is equivalent to 75-79 grams in weight.
Best Overall
Senston N80 Graphite Single Badminton Racquet
Quality construction
Budget-friendly
Multiple color options
Not for advanced players
The N80 has a full carbon fiber frame and shaft which is easy to handle on the court. An isometric head is also ideal for creating a larger sweet spot for your shots. Given this technology, the N80 is ideal for any player ranging from beginner to intermediate.
Plus, the Senston N80 is offered in an array of colors and includes a carrying bag to protect your racket when on the go.
Price at time of publish: $48
Key Specs:Weight: 5U | Materials: Graphite and carbon fiber | Grip: 4.5 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, the Franklin Sports Elite delivers high quality at a budget-friendly price. When compared to other high-end rackets with similar features, this racket’s characteristics and quality construction hold up, even at the lower price point.
Best Budget
Franklin Sports Elite Performance Badminton Racket
Lightweight design
Performance grip
No carrying case
One color option
The Franklin Sports Elite features a tight string technology that allows for powerful shots while maintaining increased accuracy and precision. For the intermediate player looking for a durable frame for intense rallies, this frame remains sturdy while transferring power.
Lastly, the advanced performance grip on this racket strikes the ideal balance of comfort and performance for players, both of which are key elements for longer matches.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: Carbon fiber | Grip: 3.25 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy
For a player ready to make an investment in a badminton racket, the Yonex ASTROX 100 ZZ is a splurge-worthy option that won’t disappoint. This racket is endorsed by pro players Viktor Axelsen, Chou Tien-Chen, and Akane Yamauchi—which is no surprise since it offers incredible power throughout the swing.
Best Splurge
Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ
Multiple weight options
Crafted for maneuverability
Slim shaft
Expensive
Must string yourself
The ASTROX 100 ZZ offers a slimmer shaft and a rotational generator system, making it maneuverable on the court and with precise weight distribution throughout the frame. However, though the racket is lightweight, this system allows it to still generate some serious power for the players who like to smash the shuttlecock. Advanced players will like this racket’s extra stiff shaft, which is ideal for fast-paced play and offensive shots.
Price at time of publish: $260
Key Specs:Weight: 4U or 3U | Materials: HM graphite, Namd | Grip Size: 4.75 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Head heavy
If you’re new to badminton and looking for a racket to get you started with the game, the Senston Professional is a fantastic option. This racket is affordable and lightweight, which is ideal for beginners as they acclimate to their strokes and maneuver around the court.
Best for Beginners
Senston Professional Woven Badminton Racket
- Lightweight design
- Stable shaft
- Cover included
The racket has a built-in T-connector that uses a lightweight, epoxy resin plastic. This new type of resin provides stability and power during play. Senston also incorporates a non-slip handle built to offer grip while maintaining comfort—yet another feature that benefits beginners. A racket cover is included in the purchase as well.
Price at time of publish: $53
Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: Graphite, micro carbon fiber | Grip Size: Not listed | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Even balanced
A great choice for intermediate players, the Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 offers increased speed and maneuverability, thanks to its ultralight weight. It’s equipped with Slim T technology which makes for powerful shots despite the lightweight racket head.
Best Intermediate
Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 Badminton Racket
Ultra lightweight
Slim T technology
Good for defensive players
Must string yourself
Not beginner-friendly
This racket is comfortable and forgiving and great for defensive players. The light weight makes it very easy to whip into position and make accurate shots. It has a relatively smaller sweet spot so it’s not the best choice for beginners.
Price at time of publish: $149
Key Specs:Weight: 6U | Materials: High modulus graphite | Grip Size: 3.5 inches | Head: Isometric shape | Balance: Head light
The Yonex Nanoflare 800 is a head-light racket designed for fast-paced, aggressive play. Endorsed by numerous professional players, this advanced-level racket will support rapid-fire play, whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned competitor.
Best Advanced
Yonex Nanoflare 800
Good for high-speed hits
Offers great control
Helps with acceleration
Expensive
Less durable frame
This racket is designed with a single-pass grommet hole construction on the frame which allows for a more high-performance stringing pattern. Yonex also incorporated the Razor Frame in the Nanoflare, which reduces air resistance from all angles and enables faster swings and shuttle speeds. While high-speed play is guaranteed, players are still able to maintain accuracy thanks to the stiff flex of the racket.
Price at time of publish: $290
Key Specs:Weight: 3U | Materials: Graphite | Grip Size: 3 inches | Head: Isometric | Balance: Head light
For the doubles pair in need of a new set of rackets, look no further than Senston’s 2 Piece Badminton Set. Senston is a solid option for players of varying levels, which makes this a great choice for a team. With an isometric head shape, these rackets offer an increased sweet spot for players to make easy contact with the shuttlecock.
Best for Doubles
Senston 2 Pieces Badminton Set
Lightweight design
Budget-friendly
Full package for two players
Not for advanced players
Head may be too small for some
As partners are reacting to a fast-paced game against their opponents, they need the flexibility to respond quickly and move easily on the court. The light weight of this racket, which comes in at 90-94 grams (making it a 2U), is a big win for players, allowing them to move swiftly and still maintain total control of their shots during play.
Price at time of publish: $50
Key Specs:Weight: 2U | Materials: Carbon alloy frame, graphite shaft | Grip Size: Not listed | Head: Square/isometric | Balance: Even balance
Kids playing or interested in playing badminton should look no further than the Senston Graphite Mini as an ideal racket to begin play. A great sport to keep kids active, Badminton is especially helpful for developing solid hand-eye coordination. And if they play doubles, it’s a great way to encourage teamwork skills.
Best for Juniors
Senston Graphite Mini
Budget-friendly
Full package for two players
Lightweight design
Not for advanced players
Age 5 and up only
When it comes to finding a racket for kids, you can’t go wrong with Senston’s Graphite Mini. Lightweight and simple to hold, it’s easy for small children to handle on-court while they familiarize themselves with the game. The set includes two junior rackets, a carrying case, and a shuttlecock—so kids can get out and start playing as soon as they’d like.
Price at time of publish: $38
Key Specs:Weight: 1U | Materials: Graphite | Grip: 4 inches | Head: Isometric | Balance: Even balance
For players wanting to control every aspect of their game, the Wilson Fierce C1500 will allow them to reach their goals. The racket has a unibody carbon construction that supports the frame while creating optimal control for the player. Additionally, Wilson’s Stable Wrap design with braided graphite means there is a stronger T-joint resulting in greater accuracy of shots and reduced frame twisting.
Best for Control
Wilson Fierce C1500
Stable Wrap technology
Pinpoint precision
Lightweight design
Not great for power
Not for advanced players
This is a lightweight racket with medium flex from the unibody construction, making it an easy racket to handle during play. While it is a slightly higher price point than some other rackets included on our list, Wilson continues to deliver a high-quality product.
Price at time of publish: $89
Key Specs:Weight: 4U | Materials: High modulus carbon fiber | Grip: 3 inches | Head Shape: Isometric | Balance: Even balance
How We Selected the Best Badminton Rackets
When playing badminton, a racket is your most important piece of equipment, so choosing the right racket for you is very important. To find the best ones on the market, we researched dozens of rackets from well-known, reputable brands and reviewed each option’s product details and specifications for quality materials, optimal weight, balance type, and value. We then further narrowed down our top options by reading independent reviews to determine the best rackets for every skill level.
Final Verdict
We chose the Senston N80 as our best overall pick because it delivers a solid combination of technology and quality at a great price point. The racket can also be used by a wide range of players at varying skill levels. Whether you are just getting started with badminton or are a more advanced player, the versatile construction of this racket will help you reach your playing goals.
For seasoned players looking to invest in the next level of gear, we recommend Yonex’s ASTROX 100 ZZ. Designed for intermediate to advanced players, this racket is extra stiff—great for strong attacks on the opponent.
We only considered badminton rackets that are top sellers, endorsed by pro players, and from brands with a reputation for quality construction. We paid particular attention to the style and level of play that each racket is suited for, as well as its durability and ease of use, including stringing.
What to Look for in a Badminton Racket
Weight
Beginners to badminton may wish to choose a lighter racket since they are easier to control. If you are not a beginner, you have more options. For stronger shots, choosing a heavier racket may be best. The weight of badminton rackets is typically indicated by a number followed by a “U.” Lower numbers are lighter than higher ones.
If you most often play doubles, look for a lighter weight for faster reaction time. Singles games rely more on power and control, which is more achievable with a heavier racket.
Balance
The balancing point of a racket refers to how the weight is distributed. You’ll find rackets with three types of balance: even balance, head light, and head heavy.
If you are a beginner, an even balance racket may be best since it will give you a combination of both control and power. Head heavy rackets provide additional swing momentum, while head light rackets increase your swing speed and control.
Skill Level and Style
Consider your skill level and style of play before choosing a badminton racket. You’ll likely find a skill level or style suggestion indicated right on the racket or its packaging. You may see skill-based labels such as “advanced” or “beginner” or style indicators such as “control” or “hard hitter.”
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Melissa Forrester currently lives in Richmond, Virginia. She obtained her BA in American Studies and English Literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Melissa also has a lifelong passion for fitness and played tennis at Trinity College. She is still an avid tennis player and fitness enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How high is a badminton net?
- Standard badminton nets should be 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 in) at the ends and dip through the center to 1.52m (5 feet). The official net height was set in 1934 by the World Badminton Federation. Some badminton nets made for recreational use may be lower than competition nets.
- How long do badminton rackets last?
- Similar to a tennis racket, the longevity of a badminton racket will depend upon the skill of the player and how often they are playing.Skill will impact the style of play. “There is a high chance that beginners will clash rackets with partners and may break a few before they move onto advanced-level rackets,” Reghu Nair, co-manager of the Richmond Badminton Club and a seasoned player, says. Advanced players often seek the newest technology given their higher level and frequency of play.
- How do you get a badminton racket repaired?
- Repairing a badminton racket depends on the nature of the repair. If you have a broken frame, it is best to replace it. If the strings break, bring your racket to a pro shop where a machine that can replace string can repair the racket with the correct amount of tension to fit your play style and preferences.
Standard badminton nets should be 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 in) at the ends and dip through the center to 1.52m (5 feet). The official net height was set in 1934 by the World Badminton Federation. Some badminton nets made for recreational use may be lower than competition nets.
Similar to a tennis racket, the longevity of a badminton racket will depend upon the skill of the player and how often they are playing.
Repairing a badminton racket depends on the nature of the repair. If you have a broken frame, it is best to replace it. If the strings break, bring your racket to a pro shop where a machine that can replace string can repair the racket with the correct amount of tension to fit your play style and preferences.
Additional reporting by Jen Zeltwanger
Jen Zeltwanger is an ACSM-certified personal trainer and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine.
