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Choosing a kids’ tennis racket is easier when you match its length to your child’s height and experience. A racket that is too large can be hard to swing, while a correctly sized junior frame helps a beginner focus on learning the basics. These picks cover several junior sizes and include lightweight aluminum options from familiar tennis brands. Since no prices are listed here, compare the current Amazon listings and check sizing before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Racket | Size or fit | Notable features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEAD Speed 23 Junior | 23 inches; ages 6–8; 45–49 inches tall | Pre-strung, 215 g, 98 sq. in. head | New players who want an easy-to-handle 23-inch racket |
| Wilson US Open Jr 21 | 21-inch junior racket | AirLite Alloy aluminum frame; 16×18 string pattern | Young beginners drawn to a compact starter racket |
| HEAD Instinct 21 Junior | 21 inches; ages 4+; 40–44 inches tall | Pre-strung, head-light balance, aluminum frame | Smaller children starting tennis |
| Dunlop Nitro 23 | 23 inches | Strung junior racket; lightweight design | Lessons and recreational play, if available |
| Wilson Ultra Power 25 Junior | 25 inches; ages 9–10 | Pre-strung, AirLite Alloy frame, bumper guard | Older recreational juniors who fit a 25-inch racket |
Our Picks: Best Cheap Kids Tennis Rackets reviews
HEAD Speed 23 Junior: A Well-Sized Starter for Ages 6–8
The HEAD Speed 23 is a pre-strung junior racket intended for children ages 6–8 who are about 45–49 inches tall. Its 23-inch length gives a developing player more reach than a 21-inch frame, while keeping the racket sized for a child rather than an adult.
The aluminum frame weighs 215 g, or 7.6 oz, and has a 98-square-inch head. That relatively large head gives beginners a forgiving target for contact, and the 3 3/4-inch grip is sized for smaller hands. The racket is ready to use without arranging a separate stringing job.
Compared with the smaller junior options here, the Speed 23 makes more sense for a child who has outgrown a 21-inch racket or fits the listed height range. It is not the best choice simply because a child is in the stated age bracket: height, reach, and comfort holding the racket matter too. As with any junior aluminum frame, it is a starter-style option rather than a full-size racket for an advanced player.
Pros:
- Pre-strung and ready to play
- Clear size guidance for ages 6–8 and 45–49 inches tall
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- 98-square-inch head offers a forgiving hitting area
Cons:
- May be too long for smaller children who still fit a 21-inch racket
- Designed for beginners and casual youth play, not adult-level needs
Verdict: Choose the HEAD Speed 23 if your child fits its height range and needs a ready-to-play, lightweight racket for learning the game.
Wilson US Open Jr 21: A Compact Racket for Young Beginners
The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is a 21-inch starter racket with a blue US Open-inspired design. Its short length can be a practical fit for a young child who finds a longer frame awkward to swing, though the supplied product details do not give a specific age or height range. Check the listing and compare the racket’s size with your child before ordering.
Wilson lists an aluminum AirLite Alloy frame, intended to balance low weight with durability, and a 16×18 string pattern. Those details make it a straightforward option for introducing a child to basic swings and contact. The available specifications do not say whether the racket comes pre-strung, so confirm that detail on the product listing if you need it ready to use right away.
Compared with the HEAD Instinct 21, this racket has fewer fit details in the supplied specifications. The HEAD gives a stated height range and says it is pre-strung, while the Wilson offers a distinct tournament-themed look and its own frame and string-pattern information. For a first racket, the right fit should come before color or branding.
Pros:
- Compact 21-inch length for young players
- Aluminum AirLite Alloy construction
- 16×18 string pattern
- US Open-inspired blue design
Cons:
- Supplied details do not include an age or height recommendation
- Pre-stringing information is not specified
Verdict: The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is worth considering if your child needs a 21-inch racket and you are comfortable confirming fit and stringing details before purchase.
HEAD Instinct 21 Junior: A Ready-to-Play Pick for Smaller Kids
The HEAD Instinct 21 is a pre-strung junior racket designed for young beginners. Its 21-inch size is listed for children ages 4 and up who are about 40–44 inches tall, giving shoppers useful fit guidance for a smaller player.
HEAD describes the aluminum O-beam frame as durable and gives this model a head-light balance. That balance is intended to support maneuverability and control, while the pre-strung setup means there is no need to arrange stringing before a first practice. The supplied title lists a 3 5/8-inch grip, another detail to check against your child’s hand size.
The Instinct line is offered in 21-, 23-, and 25-inch sizes, so families can compare options as a child grows. For a child within the 40–44-inch range, this 21-inch version is more appropriately sized than the 23-inch HEAD Speed. If your child is already taller or has trouble reaching with a small frame, consider sizing up rather than buying a racket to grow into.
Pros:
- Pre-strung for convenient setup
- Clear age and height guidance for the 21-inch model
- Head-light balance is designed for maneuverability
- Aluminum O-beam construction
Cons:
- May be outgrown sooner than a larger junior racket
- Best suited to children who fit the smaller size range
Verdict: For a smaller child beginning tennis, the HEAD Instinct 21 is a strong practical choice because its fit guidance and pre-strung setup make selection and first use simple.
Dunlop Nitro 23: A Strung Option for Lessons and Recreational Play
The Dunlop Nitro is a 23-inch junior racket supplied strung. Its product details position it for skill development, lessons, camps, and recreational play. The lightweight design is intended to help young players swing without tiring as quickly during longer sessions.
Dunlop also highlights a stable feel at contact and a blend of control and playability for developing players. Those aims suit a child practicing basic technique, but the supplied information does not include a weight, grip size, head size, or age and height range. Check those details against your child’s needs before choosing it over a model with more complete sizing guidance.
The Nitro’s 23-inch length puts it in the same general size category as the HEAD Speed 23. The HEAD provides specific weight, grip, head-size, age, and height information, while the Nitro’s supplied description focuses more on intended use and feel. The listing is marked unavailable in the supplied product information, so confirm whether it can be purchased before settling on it.
Pros:
- 23-inch junior size
- Strung and intended for lessons or recreational play
- Lightweight design is intended to reduce fatigue
- Built to support basic skill development
Cons:
- Supplied listing indicates it is unavailable
- Product details do not state an age, height, weight, or grip-size range
Verdict: The Dunlop Nitro 23 could suit a junior who needs a strung 23-inch racket, but its availability and fit details are worth checking before you choose it.
Wilson Ultra Power 25 Junior: A Larger Recreational Racket for Ages 9–10
The Wilson Ultra Power 25 is a 25-inch recreational junior racket recommended for ages 9–10. Its larger frame is intended for an older child who has grown beyond a 21- or 23-inch racket and can comfortably manage the added length.
This model comes pre-strung and uses Wilson’s AirLite Alloy construction. A bumper guard is included to protect the frame from damaging contact, which can be useful when a young player is still learning to keep the racket clear of the court. The pink, white, and blue design adds a colorful look without changing the main buying question: whether the size suits your child.
Among these picks, the Ultra Power 25 is the clearest choice for an older junior because its age recommendation is stated and its 25-inch size is the longest here. It is described for recreational play, so a child who needs a racket for more advanced or competitive use may want to compare other options and specifications.
Pros:
- 25-inch size recommended for ages 9–10
- Pre-strung for convenient setup
- AirLite Alloy frame is designed to be lightweight and durable
- Bumper guard helps protect the frame
Cons:
- Too large for many younger or smaller children
- Positioned as a recreational racket rather than an advanced-player model
Verdict: Pick the Wilson Ultra Power 25 if your older child fits its age and size recommendation and wants a pre-strung racket for recreational tennis.
How to Choose a Cheap Kids Tennis Racket
Start with racket length and your child’s height
Length is one of the most useful ways to narrow down a junior racket. In this group, the options run from 21 to 25 inches. The HEAD Instinct 21 lists a height range of 40–44 inches, while the HEAD Speed 23 lists 45–49 inches; the Wilson Ultra Power 25 is recommended for ages 9–10. Use those details as a guide, then check that your child can hold and swing the racket comfortably. Age alone does not tell you how a racket will fit.
Choose a frame your child can swing with control
A racket that feels too heavy or long can make it harder to learn a smooth swing. Several picks use aluminum construction, and the HEAD Speed gives a specific weight of 215 g. Where weight is not listed, avoid guessing: check the product details or ask a tennis instructor to help compare frames. A comfortable swing is more important than choosing a larger racket for future growth.
Check grip size and hand comfort
A grip that is too large can be difficult for a child to hold securely. The HEAD Speed lists a 3 3/4-inch grip, and the HEAD Instinct title lists a 3 5/8-inch grip. The other supplied descriptions do not give grip sizes. If that information matters to you, verify it on the listing before buying, and make sure your child can hold the handle without straining.
Look for a pre-strung racket if you want to play right away
Several picks are described as ready to use: both HEAD rackets and the Wilson Ultra Power 25 are pre-strung, and the Dunlop Nitro is described as strung. The Wilson US Open Jr 21 description does not specify whether it is pre-strung. If you want to avoid arranging stringing separately, confirm that detail before placing an order.
Match the racket to the kind of play
For a first lesson or casual hitting, a junior aluminum racket with an appropriate length is often a sensible starting point. The HEAD models emphasize beginners, while the Dunlop Nitro is described for lessons, camps, and recreational play. The Wilson Ultra Power 25 is also positioned for recreational juniors. If your child is developing more advanced skills, compare the full specifications with the coach’s guidance rather than assuming a starter racket will suit every stage.
Compare the whole purchase, not just the listing price
Prices and availability can change, so check the Amazon listing for the current details. Consider whether the racket is already strung, whether the stated size fits your child, and whether the seller has the model available. A low listed price may not be the best value if the racket is the wrong size or requires extra setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racket should I get for a child?
Start with the child’s height and the racket maker’s size guidance. For example, the HEAD Instinct 21 lists a height range of 40–44 inches, and the HEAD Speed 23 lists 45–49 inches. If your child falls between sizes, prioritize a racket they can swing comfortably and ask a coach for help if needed.
Is a 21-inch racket suitable for a beginner?
A 21-inch racket can be a good fit for a smaller child, especially one who is just learning to swing. The HEAD Instinct 21 is intended for ages 4 and up and a height range of 40–44 inches. The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is also a 21-inch option, but its supplied details do not include an age or height range.
Which racket in this list is best for a child who is 6–8?
The HEAD Speed 23 is specifically listed for ages 6–8 and children about 45–49 inches tall. Check your child’s height and comfort with the racket before buying, since the age range is a guide rather than a substitute for fit.
Do these kids’ rackets come pre-strung?
The HEAD Speed 23, HEAD Instinct 21, and Wilson Ultra Power 25 are described as pre-strung. The Dunlop Nitro is described as strung. The supplied description for the Wilson US Open Jr 21 does not specify its stringing status, so check the listing if this affects your decision.
Should I buy a larger racket so my child can grow into it?
Not if the added length makes the racket hard to swing. A racket that fits now can make practice more manageable and help a child focus on technique. Use the size guidance as a starting point and consider moving up when your child has grown enough to handle the next length comfortably.
Which option is best for an older junior?
The Wilson Ultra Power 25 is recommended for ages 9–10 and is the largest racket in this selection. It is intended for recreational play. Confirm that your child fits the size recommendation and can control the racket before choosing it.
Is the Dunlop Nitro 23 available?
The supplied product information marks the Dunlop Nitro 23 as unavailable. Availability can change, so check its Amazon listing before relying on it as an option.
Final Recommendation
For a smaller child starting tennis, the HEAD Instinct 21 is a practical choice with clear fit guidance and a pre-strung setup. The HEAD Speed 23 is a strong fit for beginners who match its stated height range, while the Wilson Ultra Power 25 is aimed at older recreational juniors. Choose by your child’s size and ability to swing the racket comfortably, then confirm current listing details and availability before buying.