Padel vs. Pickleball: Which one is for you?

We wanted to put together the main differences between both Padel and Pickleball. Quite often, whenever Padel tennis is mentioned, Pickleball is usually too. On first glance, they are similar. What we can say is that there are some significant differences, so we’ve put together a breakdown.

What Is Padel Tennis?

Padel is a doubles only sport played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court. It uses solid rackets and slightly depressurised balls. The game is known for long rallies, clever angles, and using the glass walls to your advantage. We’re great advocates if you hadn’t guessed here at Express Padel!

• Court: 20m x 10m, enclosed with glass walls
• Racket: Solid surface with holes, no strings – available here
• Balls: Similar to tennis but lower pressure – available here
• Style: Tactical, fast, and great for teamwork

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is played on an open court with a net, using flat paddles and lightweight plastic balls. Effectively, it’s a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, which is quick to pick up, and especially popular with beginners and older players.

• Court: 13.4m x 6.1m, open and without walls
• Paddle: Lightweight and flat, often composite
• Ball: Hard plastic with holes (indoor and outdoor versions)
• Style: Fast-paced, short rallies, easy to learn

Should you try Padel Tennis or Pickleball?

If you’re looking for a strategic, physically engaging sport with long rallies and a strong social element, padel is a fantastic choice. It’s beginner friendly but also offers plenty of depth as your skills improve. 

Want to get started? Check out these hand-picked padel rackets based on your playing level:

• Beginner Padel Rackets – control-focused and easy to handle
• Intermediate Padel Rackets – for developing power and accuracy
• Advanced Padel Rackets – built for speed, spin, and performance

Padel vs Pickleball: Comparison Chart Summary

Find a padel court in the UK near you using our court finder