How much does Tennis cost?
Real gear costs, sorted by tier. The essentials first — then the nice-to-haves once you're hooked.
Budget starter
$135
Essentials only, cheapest picks
Mid-range
$290
Essentials, recommended picks
Full setup
$380
Essentials + optional gear, premium
Cost questions
How much does Tennis cost to start?
A budget Tennis starter kit runs around $135 for the essentials. A mid-range setup is closer to $290, and a fully kitted setup runs $380+.
Is Tennis an expensive hobby?
Tennis has a moderate startup cost around $135 for the essentials. Once you have the basics, ongoing costs are usually low.
What do I actually need to buy to start Tennis?
The essentials are: Tennis Racket, Tennis Shoes. The optional gear is nice once you're hooked, but not required to get started.
Can I start Tennis on a budget?
Yes. The budget tier shown above gets you everything essential for around $135. Avoid buying the premium tier until you've stuck with it for a few months.
Understanding Tennis costs
The real cost to start Tennis sits between $135 (bare essentials, budget picks) and $290 (solid mid-range kit) for the items you genuinely need on day one. A fully equipped setup with optional gear runs around $380. Those figures assume you're buying new — used gear can cut the entry cost significantly, especially for Tennis, where secondhand equipment is common.
What's essential vs. optional
The 2 essential items in this breakdown — Tennis Racket, Tennis Shoes — are what you actually need to get started. Skip any of these and you'll hit a wall early. The 1 optional item (Tennis Bag & Accessories) are quality-of-life upgrades that matter once the habit is established. Buy them when you've confirmed the hobby is sticking.
Which tier should you start with?
For most beginners, the mid-range tier (~$290) is the right starting point. Budget picks often create friction that makes it harder to tell if you're struggling with the hobby or just fighting bad equipment. Mid-range gear removes that ambiguity without overcommitting before you know the hobby sticks. The premium tier ($380+) makes sense once you've been doing Tennis for six months or more and know exactly where your current gear is holding you back.
What each item is for
- Tennis Racket(~$160 mid-range)Start with an oversized head (100+ sq in), lighter weight (270–285g), and open string pattern. Avoid heavy advanced frames.
- Tennis Shoes(~$130 mid-range)Court-specific shoes provide the lateral support that running shoes lack — essential for preventing ankle and knee injuries.