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Choosing the best kids tennis racket starts with getting the size right. A racket that fits your child’s height and stage of learning is easier to handle than one chosen just for its color or brand. The five options below range from a lightweight 21-inch starter racket to 25-inch models for older juniors, with notes on fit, construction, and practical trade-offs to help you compare.
Quick Comparison
| Racket | Size | Best for | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEAD Speed 21 Junior | 21 inches | New players ages 4–6 | Pre-strung; 180 g frame; 76 sq. in. head |
| Wilson US Open Jr 21 | 21 inches | Young beginners | AirLite Alloy; 16 x 18 string pattern |
| HEAD Instinct 23 Junior | 23 inches | Players ages 6–8 | Pre-strung; head-light balance; aluminum frame |
| Wilson Ultra Power 25 | 25 inches | Recreational players ages 9–10 | Pre-strung; AirLite Alloy; bumper guard |
| Wilson Profile 25 Junior | 25 inches | Players ages 9–10 | Pre-strung; AirLite Alloy; QuadriForm Technology |
Our Picks: Best Kids Tennis Rackets reviews
HEAD Speed 21: A Lightweight First Racket for Young Beginners
The HEAD Speed 21 is designed for children who are just learning the game. Its 21-inch length and recommended fit for ages 4–6 and heights of 40–44 inches give parents a useful starting point when checking whether the racket is suited to their child.
The aluminum frame weighs 180 g (6.3 oz), and the 76-square-inch head provides a forgiving target for developing contact. It comes pre-strung, so it is ready to use without a separate stringing setup. The listed grip size is 3 5/8 inches, intended for a child-sized hand.
This model makes the most sense for early lessons, casual rallies, and young players still building coordination. Its size and weight are clear advantages for that stage, but a growing child may outgrow a 21-inch racket. If your child is already taller or moving into more structured play, compare it with the 23-inch HEAD Instinct instead.
Pros:
- Lightweight 180 g frame for easier handling
- Pre-strung and ready to play
- 76-square-inch head offers a generous hitting area
- Age and height guidance makes sizing easier
Cons:
- Best suited to a narrow age and height range
- A 21-inch frame may be outgrown as the child gets taller
Verdict: Choose the HEAD Speed 21 for a young beginner who fits its recommended size and needs a light, pre-strung first racket.
Wilson US Open Jr 21: A Simple Starter in a Recognizable Design
The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is a 21-inch starter racket made for kids getting a feel for tennis. Its US Open-inspired styling may appeal to a child who wants a racket with a distinctive look, while the aluminum AirLite Alloy construction is intended to balance low weight with durability.
The listed 16 x 18 string pattern is a useful point of comparison with the other options, though the product details do not give a frame weight, grip size, or age-and-height range. That makes it especially important to check the fit against your child’s current racket or ask a coach before choosing it based on length alone.
Compared with the HEAD Speed 21, this Wilson provides less sizing detail in the supplied product information. It may suit a young player who needs a straightforward 21-inch starter, but parents looking for clearly stated weight and grip measurements may prefer the HEAD. The product description does not specify whether a cover is included, so check the listing if that matters to you.
Pros:
- 21-inch size for young players
- Aluminum AirLite Alloy construction
- 16 x 18 string pattern is specified
- US Open-inspired blue design
Cons:
- Product details do not list the frame weight or grip size
- Age and height guidance is not provided in the supplied information
Verdict: The Wilson US Open Jr 21 is a reasonable option if its 21-inch size fits your child, but confirm the grip and overall fit before buying.
HEAD Instinct 23: A Step Up for Growing Players
The HEAD Instinct 23 is a junior racket for children moving beyond the smallest size. This 23-inch version is recommended for ages 6 and up, with a height range of 45–49 inches. HEAD also describes 21- and 25-inch sizes in the same range, which can help families compare options as a child grows.
Its aluminum O-beam frame is built for regular practice, and the head-light balance is designed to support maneuverability and control. The racket comes pre-strung, and the listed grip size is 3 5/8 inches. Together, those details make it a practical choice for lessons or recreational play without requiring a separate setup.
Compared with the 21-inch rackets here, the Instinct 23 gives a taller child a longer frame while retaining beginner-focused features. It is not the best fit simply because a child is a certain age, though: height and comfort handling the racket matter too. The supplied details do not state the frame weight, so you cannot compare its weight directly with the HEAD Speed 21.
Pros:
- 23-inch size recommended for ages 6+ and heights of 45–49 inches
- Pre-strung for use out of the box
- Head-light balance is designed for maneuverability and control
- Durable aluminum O-beam construction
Cons:
- May be too long for a shorter or younger beginner
- Frame weight is not listed in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick the HEAD Instinct 23 for a child who fits its height guidance and is ready for a longer junior racket.
Wilson Ultra Power 25: A Colorful Option for Older Juniors
The Wilson Ultra Power is a 25-inch recreational racket recommended for ages 9–10. Its pink, white, and blue design stands out, while the AirLite Alloy frame is intended to provide lightweight strength. A bumper guard helps protect the frame from damaging contact.
It comes pre-strung and is described as providing comfortable power for recreational juniors. Those features make it a straightforward option for casual play, especially for a child who has outgrown a shorter racket. The supplied product information does not list the racket’s weight or grip size, so check the listing and compare its fit with your child’s hand and swing.
This is the only 25-inch choice here whose supplied listing is marked unavailable. Availability can change, but it is worth checking before you plan around this model. If it is not offered, the Wilson Profile 25 is another 25-inch option for the same recommended age range, with QuadriForm Technology noted in its description.
Pros:
- 25-inch length recommended for ages 9–10
- Pre-strung and intended for recreational use
- AirLite Alloy construction and a bumper guard
- Bright pink, white, and blue color scheme
Cons:
- The supplied listing information marks it unavailable
- Frame weight and grip size are not specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Consider the Wilson Ultra Power 25 if your child fits its size guidance and the listing is available, but compare the Wilson Profile 25 as an alternative.
Wilson Profile 25: A Pre-Strung Racket for Recreational Players
The Wilson Profile 25 is a 25-inch junior and youth racket recommended for ages 9–10. It comes pre-strung and uses AirLite Alloy construction. The product description also highlights QuadriForm Technology, which is designed to stabilize the swing, and a bumper guard to help protect the frame from damaging contact.
Its recreational focus makes it a practical fit for casual hitting or lessons rather than a choice based on advanced specifications. The description mentions contrasting color details at the 3 and 9 positions on the frame, but does not provide a frame weight or grip size. Check those details on the product page if your child is sensitive to racket weight or needs a particular grip fit.
Among the two 25-inch Wilson options in this group, the Profile is the one listed as available in the supplied product information. The Ultra Power adds its own color scheme and describes comfortable power, while the Profile emphasizes swing stability and frame protection. Both are aimed at recreational juniors, so fit should guide the decision more than these differences in feature descriptions.
Pros:
- 25-inch size recommended for ages 9–10
- Pre-strung for convenient setup
- QuadriForm Technology is designed to stabilize the swing
- Bumper guard helps protect the frame
Cons:
- Frame weight and grip size are not listed in the supplied details
- Designed for recreational play, not presented as an advanced racket
Verdict: The Wilson Profile 25 is a sensible recreational pick for an older junior who fits a 25-inch racket and wants a pre-strung option with a bumper guard.
How to Choose a Kids Tennis Racket
Start with your child’s height and racket length
Racket length is one of the clearest ways to narrow the choices. The supplied product details place the HEAD Speed 21 at ages 4–6 and heights of 40–44 inches, the HEAD Instinct 23 at ages 6+ and heights of 45–49 inches, and the Wilson 25-inch models at ages 9–10. Use those ranges as a starting point, not a substitute for checking whether your child can swing and control the racket comfortably.
Match the racket to your child’s experience
A first-time player may benefit from a simple, pre-strung racket that is easy to get onto the court. The HEAD Speed 21 and Wilson US Open Jr 21 are both starter-style options. For a child with some experience who has grown out of a shorter frame, the HEAD Instinct 23 or a 25-inch Wilson may be a more suitable next step if the size fits.
Consider weight and ease of handling
A racket should feel manageable throughout a lesson or casual session. The HEAD Speed 21 has a listed weight of 180 g, which makes it the easiest option here to compare by weight. Weight is not supplied for the other four rackets, so check the product listing or handle the racket before choosing if possible.
Check the grip fit
A grip that feels too large or too small can make it harder for a child to hold the racket securely. The HEAD Speed 21 and HEAD Instinct 23 list a 3 5/8-inch grip. The supplied details do not state grip sizes for the Wilson models, so confirm those measurements if grip fit is a concern.
Look at setup and frame protection
All five product descriptions identify the rackets as pre-strung or ready for play, so they are presented as convenient options for getting started. The Wilson Ultra Power 25 and Wilson Profile 25 also list a bumper guard to help protect the frame from damaging contact. These details may matter if you want a racket that needs less setup or will see regular recreational use.
Choose based on fit before color or branding
A bright design or familiar brand can help a child feel excited about playing, but neither should replace a good size match. Compare the racket length, recommended age or height, and any available weight and grip details first. If two models fit equally well, then design and features such as the bumper guard or listed swing-stability technology can help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tennis racket should I get for a young child?
Use the manufacturer’s age and height guidance as a starting point, then check whether the racket feels comfortable to swing. In this selection, the 21-inch HEAD Speed is recommended for ages 4–6 and heights of 40–44 inches. The 23-inch HEAD Instinct is listed for ages 6+ and heights of 45–49 inches.
Is a 21-inch racket right for every beginner?
No. Beginner status alone does not determine racket size. A 21-inch model is one option for a young child, but a taller child may be better suited to a longer racket. Compare your child’s height with the product’s sizing guidance.
Which racket in this group has a listed weight?
The HEAD Speed 21 has a listed frame weight of 180 g (6.3 oz). The supplied product details do not provide weights for the other four rackets.
Do these kids’ rackets come pre-strung?
Yes. The product information identifies each racket as pre-strung or ready to play, so the listed options are presented as not requiring a separate stringing setup before use.
Which option is designed for ages 9–10?
The Wilson Ultra Power 25 and Wilson Profile 25 are both recommended for ages 9–10. Check the product pages for fit details, and confirm availability for the Ultra Power before making plans to buy it.
Should I choose a racket with a bumper guard?
A bumper guard is designed to help protect the racket frame from damaging contact. Both Wilson 25-inch models in this selection list one. It can be a useful feature for recreational use, but the racket still needs to fit your child.
Final Recommendation
For a young beginner who fits the recommended size, the HEAD Speed 21 is the clearest choice thanks to its listed weight, grip size, and age-and-height guidance. For a child ready to move up, consider the HEAD Instinct 23 if its sizing fits. Older juniors can compare the Wilson Profile 25 and Wilson Ultra Power 25, checking the Wilson listings for grip and weight details before choosing.