Most tennis players will agree that one of the most frustrating parts of playing the sport is collecting any tennis balls that are scattered around the court. After all, no one enjoys bending over to collect them! Not only does it distract you from the game and waste time, but it can also be uncomfortable to do if you have back or neck issues. Tennis ball hoppers solve all of these problems with their ingenious design. Once you start using one, you’ll see that using one is just as indispensable as wearing a quality pair tennis shoes.
So how do you buy a high-quality one if you don’t even know what to look for in the first place? To help you out, we reviewed dozens of tennis ball hoppers so we can bring you our top picks. We looked at a range of factors including each product’s design, quality of materials, ease of use, weight, price, and even its customer reviews on Amazon.
After careful analysis, we chose the Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (90 Ball Capacity) as our very top option for good reason: it simply ticks every box! It’s simple to use, offers great capacity, and does precisely what it’s meant to do without a hitch. If you’re eager to learn more about this product, as well as the other 24 standout products that made our recommendations roundup, keep reading.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Tennis Ball Hoppers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Tennis Ball Hopper Overall | Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (90 Ball Capacity) | 4.3 |
| Best Tennis Ball Hopper Tube | Tourna Tenn Tube Tennis Ball Pickup | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Tennis Ball Hopper | SamMoSon Tennis Ball Roller Mower & Hopper | 4.6 |
| Best Large Capacity Tennis Ball Hopper | Tourna Ballport 120 Ball Pick-Up Tennis Ball Hopper | 4.3 |
| Best Tennis Ball Hopper with Wheels | HOPARAZZI Elite 65 Tennis Ball Basket | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Tennis Ball Hopper Overall: Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (90 Ball Capacity)
The Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (90 Ball Capacity) is the best tennis ball hopper on the market because it excels in every feature you could want in the device. Truth be told, we’d expect no less from Wilson, a brand that has built its reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality tennis gear. So what exactly does this product do right?
Firstly, its streamlined design shows that sometimes, simple is best. The hopper works precisely as you’d expect it to—all without a fuss. All you need to do is carry it over to the ball you want to collect and press it down onto it. In less time than it takes to make a winning serve, the ball will be securely capture by the hopper.
Another eye-catching feature is that its offers ample capacity. It can collect and store 90 balls, which is a good middle ground in terms of capacity. As is standard with typical hoppers, its handles can be transformed into legs. It’s notable, however, that unlike many inferior options, you can make the switch between the two without needing to strain yourself. Finally, this product boasts one of the highest customer ratings for ball hoppers we came across. With all these features and more, you won’t be left wanting.
Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (90 Ball Capacity) Key Features:
- Holds 90 balls
- 7.1 lbs
- Handles can be transformed into legs
- Made with durable materials
Best Tennis Ball Hopper Tube: Tourna Tenn Tube Tennis Ball Pickup
We know that collecting tennis balls isn’t usually anyone’s idea of a good time. But using the Tourna Tenn Tube Tennis Ball Pickup to do this annoying task may be the exception to the rule. Weighing just 1.3 lbs and coming in at 46.5″ tall, this smart product makes ball collection more than just bearable. In fact, we hazard that you’ll actually have fun using it!
To use it, just press it over a tennis ball and let it work its magic. The Tourna Tenn Tube Tennis Ball Pickup will actually suck up any balls you need collected into its tube. It can only hold up to 20 balls, which is an adequate amount if you’re just playing some friendly rounds or practicing by yourself. Emptying it out also couldn’t be easier as you just need to turn it over. Before you do, your balls will remain securely in the tube thanks to the nifty elastic band it comes with.
Tourna Tenn Tube Tennis Ball Pickup Key Features:
- Holds 20 balls
- 46.5″ tall
- 1.3 lbs
- Simple to use
Best Budget Tennis Ball Hopper: SamMoSon Tennis Ball Roller Mower & Hopper
Another tennis ball hopper that’s upped the design stakes is the SamMoSon Tennis Ball Roller Mower & Hopper. It’s our budget pick because it packs a lot in for a low price. The device’s smooth rolling design lets you pick up balls in a jiffy. To use it, hold the comfortable handle and let the device roll over the balls you want to collect. And did we mention it can roll over a range of surfaces, including clay, hard, grass, and carpet?
If you’re worried about how to store it when you’re not using it, SamMoSon is already two steps ahead of you. This product includes an adjustable tripod base that you can use to hold the hopper in place. In terms of vital specs, it stores up to 50 balls, weighs only 3.9 lbs, and is 11.4″ x 11.4″ x 11.8″ in size.
SamMoSon Tennis Ball Roller Mower & Hopper Key Features:
- Works on a range of surfaces
- Rolling design
- 3.9 lbs
- Includes a tripod storage stand
Best Large Capacity Tennis Ball Hopper: Tourna Ballport 120 Ball Pick-Up Tennis Ball Hopper
Made of extra durable steel wire, Tourna Ballport 120 Ball Pick-Up Tennis Ball Hopper offers trouble-free pick up and storage of up to 120 tennis balls. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to efficiently manage the collection of a large number of balls.
One of the things we rate most about this product is that its quality of craftsmanship is clear. This is worth highlighting because, sadly to say, it was clear from our analysis that there are many poorly-made options out there. So if you want to ensure your hopper leaves you satisfied, we suggest giving this top product a go.
Key Features:
- Holds 120 tennis balls
- Leg locks
- Extra durable steel wire
- Easy set up
Best Tennis Ball Hopper with Wheels: HOPARAZZI Elite 65 Tennis Ball Basket
The HOPARAZZI Elite 65 Tennis Ball Basket is hands-down the best wheeled tennis ball hopper you can buy. While they may not appear to be noteworthy, the two wheels attached to this product are small but mighty. After all, they’ll save you the trouble of needing to lug around your hopper, which is fantastic news for anyone with back issues or who simply wants an easier way to transport their hopper from point A to B.
This product holds 65 balls and is designed for easy tool-free set up. So what do customers think of it? They’ve been particularly impressed by its solid welding and its highly-functional wheels. As a final note, it’s also worth mentioning that the HOPARAZZI Elite 65 Tennis Ball Basket comes in a choice of 12 colors, making it an extra attractive choice for anyone who likes a pop of color on the field.
HOPARAZZI Elite 65 Tennis Ball Basket Key Features:
- Holds 65 balls
- Dual-wheeled
- No tools required for assembly
- Comes in a variety of colors
Who Should Buy a Tennis Ball Hopper
Any tennis player will benefit from buying their very own tennis ball hopper. Unless you’re playing in tennis competition and have a ball girl or boy helping you collect stray balls, you’ll need to pick them up by yourself. As a tennis ball hopper is designed to make the process of collecting balls as easy, quick, and pain-free as possible, you’ll be able to dedicate more time to what’s really important: playing tennis.
Tennis coaches should also give serious consideration to buying one. Using one during classes will add an extra touch of professionalism to your service, and also allow you to properly focus on honing your students’ technique (instead of on picking up balls!).
Important Features to Consider
A tennis ball hopper should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a tennis ball hopper.
- Ball capacity. One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is a tennis ball hopper’s capacity. If you only ever have a few stray balls to deal with, you can opt for one with a smaller or regular size capacity. However, if you need to collect upwards of 100 balls or are looking for greater storage capacity in your hopper, choose an option that boasts a more generous capacity.
- Lightweight. If your tennis ball hopper is handheld, you should ensure that it’s lightweight. After all, you will not only have to carry the hopper itself but also any balls you collect.
- Durable materials. Take note of whether the ball hoppers you’re considering are made with materials that are durable enough to last for many years. For example, carbon steel is a material that’s well-known for its durability.
- Ease of use. The ultimate aim of a ball hopper is to make ball collection easier. If it’s clunky or a pain to use, you may as well keep using your hands! In order to ensure you don’t want to waste your money on a subpar product, double-check that the option you’re mulling over is simple to set up and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tennis ball hopper and how does it work?
A tennis ball hopper can come in many designs, but it is typically a portable basket that’s designed to efficiently collect tennis balls on the court. When you spot a ball on the court that you’d like to pick up, take your hopper over by holding it by its handles. You can then position the hopper directly over the ball and press down. Doing so will cause the base of the hopper to rise so that the ball can squeeze through and in turn be collected.
Whenever you’re not using a typical hopper and want to keep it stationary, you can transform its handles into legs. As this will give the hopper enough height so the basket section is in line with your body, you’ll be able to easily reach all of the balls you’ve collected in it.
Who invented the tennis ball hopper?
Jake Stap invented the original tennis ball hopper in the 1960s after recognizing how much time he was wasting collecting scattered tennis balls during the tennis camps he ran.
How many tennis balls fit in a hopper?
How many tennis balls fit in a hopper will depend on the particular model you use. Smaller-sized models will hold less than 20 balls, regular-sized options will usually fit around 50 to 75 balls, while bigger-sized options will fit upwards of 100 balls.
How do you pick up tennis balls?
There are two main ways you can pick up tennis balls: by bending over and picking them up with your hands or by using a tennis ball hopper. Whether you choose to manually pick up tennis balls or use a tennis ball hopper is up to you, but keep in mind that the former method is not only more time consuming, but also poses a risk to straining your back and neck.
Other Tennis Ball Hoppers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other tennis ball hoppers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best tennis ball hoppers list, they’re the best of the rest, and each are still a great option. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Tennis Ball Hoppers with Wheels
Tourna Ballport Deluxe Tennis Ball Hopper with Wheels
This wheeled option is eye-catching for a number of reasons. Not only does it hold 80 balls, but it also only weighs 4.5 lbs—which is 50% less heavy than many other hoppers of similar capacity.
Key Features:
- Locking handles
- Holds 80 balls
- Weighs only 4.5 lbs
Cost: $28
Gamma Sports Hi-Rise 75 Tennis Ball Hopper with Wheels
Thanks to its dual wheels, this tennis ball hopper couldn’t be easier to transport around the tennis court. It can find up to 75 balls and features a built-in lid and a weather-resistant coating.
Key Features:
- Dual-wheeled
- 75 ball capacity
- Intuitive set up
Cost: $35
Lightweight Tennis Ball Hoppers
Gamma Tennis Ballhopper Balltube
Weighing a mere 1.7 lbs, the Gamma Tennis Ballhopper Balltube quickly picks up and holds a maximum of 18 balls. It comes complete with a handy shoulder strap as well.
Key Features:
- Holds 18 ball
- 1.7 lbs
- Shoulder strap included
Cost: $25
Tourna Ballport Pro 50 Ball Tennis Hopper
If you’re after a tennis ball hopper that will stand the test of time, this is an excellent option. This 50 ball capacity hopper is made with heavy gauge steel wire and a black powder coated finish that is designed to prevent chips and fading.
Key Features:
- Heavy duty sturdy construction
- 11″ x 11″ x 11″ basket
- Only 4. 5 lbs
Cost: $24
Crown Sporting Goods EZ Roller 2-in-1 Tennis Ball Collector and Ball Hopper
This product is so eye-grabbing that it looks like it came straight out of Shark Tank! While it does have a higher price tag, you may find it’s worth it given the supreme convenience it offers. Unlike most options, it doesn’t just pick up 1 ball at a time, but 5 balls simultaneously! It can hold more than 50 balls and even comes with 25 practice balls.
Key Features:
- Pick up 5 balls at a time
- Holds 50+ balls
- Includes 25 practice tennis balls
Cost: $200
Gamma Sports Hi-Rise 75 Tennis Ball Hopper
Tired of chasing balls that spill out of your ball hopper? You’ll appreciate that this option, which fits up to 75 balls, comes with a built-in lid which is designed to eliminate this problem completely.
Key Features:
- Capacity of 75 balls
- Designed to prevent ball spillage
- Made of carbon steel wire
Cost: $25
Tourna Ballport 85 Ball Pick up Tennis Hopper
In addition to picking up and holding regular tennis balls, you’ll be able to use this tennis hopper to manage Stage 1 to 3 balls as well. It holds up to 85 regular balls.
Key Features:
- Holds regular and Stage 1 to 3 balls
- Fixed handle with no moving parts
- Holds up to 85 regular tennis balls
Cost: $31
Wilson Tennis Ball Pick Up Hopper (75 Ball Capacity)
If our pick for the best tennis ball hopper around caught your eye but you’re looking for an option with a smaller capacity, Wilson also manufactures the same model in a 75 ball capacity. It features the same great qualities as the 90 ball version, only that it’s smaller and lighter.
Key Features:
- Holds 75 tennis balls
- 6 lbs
- 27″ x 11″ x 2″
Cost: $20
Kollectaball CS40 40 Ball Collector
If you want to want to try a different take on a tennis ball collecting device, we suggest giving this powerful one a go. Simply roll the Kollectaball over any stray balls and it will instantly capture then. It weighs just 3.8 lbs and can easily hold up to 40 balls at a time.
Key Features:
- Collects up to 40 balls
- Rolling design
- 1 Year Warranty
Cost: $70
Lesmin 2 in 1 Tennis Balls Pickup Device
This smartly-designed gadget can be used both as a tennis ball collector and a storage solution. Like the Kollectaball above, it feature a rolling design. However, while the Kollectaball is held by its attached stick, the Lesmin is held by its handles.
Key Features:
- Rolling design
- Durable handles
- 55 ball capacity
Cost: $138
Gamma Sports Hoppette 50 Tennis Ball Hopper
If you’re after a high-quality tennis ball hopper with a slimmer body, this is a top choice. Despite its lightweight and slim design the Gamma Sports Hoppette 50 Tennis Ball Hopper still manages to hold 50 balls. We give the brand props for including handles that can be easily removed for more convenient storage
Key Features:
- 3.56 lbs
- Hold up to 50 balls
- Removable handles
Cost: $24
Gamma Sports Risette 50 Tennis Ball Hopper
This option, which has a 50 ball capacity, is all about practicality. It’s so easy to use you that could use it with your eyes closed. What’s more, when you set it to standing position, you’ll find that its the perfect height for both grabbing balls to play with or unloading the ones you’ve collected.
Key Features:
- 50 ball capacity
- Convenient handles
- Ideal standing height
Cost: $35
Gamma Sports Pro 90 Tennis Ball Hopper
From its ergonomic handle to its high-quality craftsmanship, there isn’t much to dislike about this carbon steel wire tennis ball hopper with a 90 ball capacity.
Key Features:
- 90 tennis ball capacity
- Made with carbon steel wire
- Ergonomic grip on handle
Cost: $35
On Court Off Court Tennis Masterpro Ball Basket
If you don’t want to worry about spending time and energy putting together your tennis hopper, we recommend this one from On Court Off Court. You won’t need any tools to set it up, so you can put it to use collecting up to 72 balls almost straightaway.
Key Features:
- 72 ball capacity
- Easy-grip knobs
- No-tool assembly
Cost: $47
This roller style ball collector from XGao offers the perfect balance of style and functionality. We love that the lightweight device can be used one handed to swiftly pick up balls.
Key Features:
- One-handed usage
- Only 3.9 lbs
- Collect up to 50 balls
Cost: $42
Large Capacity Tennis Ball Hoppers
HOPARAZZI Pro Elite 125 Tennis Ball Basket
Not only does this wheeled option from HOPARAZZI hold up to 125 balls, but it also comes a choice of 12 vibrant colors.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 125 balls
- Built-in wheels
- Variety of color choices
Cost: $60
Gamma Sports Whopper 140 Tennis Ball Hopper
With a capacity of 140 balls, this is perfect if you have a large number of balls to pick up. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to set up and its durable materials.
Key Features:
- Holds 140 balls
- Smart built-in lid
- Super easy set up
Cost: $44
Gamma Sports Pro Plus 110 Tennis Ball Hopper
If time is of the essence, you’ll be happy to learn that this tennis ball hopper can be set up in just minutes. It holds 110 balls and boasts a weather-resistant coating and a fully-attached lid.
Key Features:
- Holds 110 balls
- Quick assembly
- Weather-resistant coating
Cost: $35
Gamma Sports EZ Basket Ball Hopper
With a durable nylon outer material and wire inner frame, this ball hopper features an ergonomic handle and a very generous capacity. It should be noted, however, that some customers have commented that while the EZ basket designed to hold 150, this is its very maximum limit. So it may be wise to instead expect this product to comfortably fit around 130 balls.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic handle
- Holds 150 balls
- Wire inner frame
Cost: $160
If you’re after a heavy-duty tennis ball collector, there’s nothing like the Playmate. It’s truly the Rolls Royce of tennis ball hoppers! You can quickly collect an entire court full’s worth of balls by breezily pushing this machine over them. If you want to see how incredible this machine is in action, be sure to check out this video.
Key Features:
- Automatic ball collection
- Convenient compact storage
- Aircraft aluminum construction
Cost: $679
