If you or your child needs practice batting skills, a pitching machine is a great investment to make. In this article we will take an in-depth look at several of the best pitching machines on the market right now.
Our top choice is the Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine by Sports Attack. This machine has numerous adjustable speed and pitch settings to choose from. It also comes with a sturdy metal tripod with wheels for easy transportation. You can rely on it for consistently accurate performance.
Before you decide on a certain pitching machine, we encourage you to learn about the following products.
How We Picked The Best Pitching Machines
As we put together our best pitching machines list, there were a number of factors that we took into consideration. We specifically looked for models that have a versatile design with numerous adjustable settings. This allows you to choose the speed and pitch angle to match your specific needs.
Each of the following pitching machines also offers reliable performance with a high degree of accuracy. They are easy to use and designed for stability. This ensures that you will be able to practice your hitting with maximum efficiency. We made a point of only selecting machines that are very reliable.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Pitching Machines 2023:
Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine
The Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine delivers pitches in seven second intervals. It is specifically designed to help with improving hitting accuracy.
With a maximum pitching speed of 20 miles per hour, this machine is capable of simulating real pitches. The rubber feet on the bottom will keep it steady and in place at all times. It can be used on a variety of surfaces with no issues whatsoever.
Measuring 7.75 by 9.5 by 9.875 inches, this machine is portable and lightweight. This makes it easy to travel with, so you can practice anywhere you want.
You can quickly and easily adjust the distance and height of this machine. It has three different pitching angles to choose from, making it incredibly versatile as a whole. It can hold a total of 9 balls at a time, and comes with six balls. Loading the balls is very easy.
There is a red light that will flash when pitching, so you can properly prepare yourself. It runs on six D batteries, so you won’t have to deal with finding a nearby electrical outlet.
The simple and convenient design of this device makes it one of the best pitching machines on the market today. It is an excellent way for kids to improve their batting skills.
If you want to help your child practice their swing, this machine has a lot to offer. It is a superb choice for baseball and softball players. You can rely on it for consistently accurate and flawless performance. It is designed for use with children three years or older.
Pros:
- Can be adjusted to three different pitching angles for maximum versatility
- Battery operated design makes it easy to use in a variety of places
- Rubber feet on bottom keep machine stable and locked in place
- Red light on front lets you know when pitch is coming
- Lightweight and portable design is convenient for traveling
- Delivers pitches at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour
Cons:
- Plastic construction isn’t incredibly sturdy
Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine by Sports Attack
The Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine is capable of delivering pitches at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. It can even be adjusted for right or left handed breaking pitches.
One of our favorite things about this pitching machine is that you can see the balls as they are fed through the machine. This adds an element of realism that will help you improve your hitting skills more efficiently.
The sheer versatility of the Hack Attack is one of the reasons that it made our best pitching machines list. It can pitch sliders, curveballs, split fingers, and fastballs. The head on the machine can change direction for line drives, pop-ups, and ground balls as well.
You’ll be able to adjust this machine easily to match your needs. It has clearly marked dials for all of the different types of pitches. The throwing head is designed to eliminate recoil for consistently reliable and predictable results.
The tripod that it comes with features large rubber feet on each leg. This keeps the machine stable so it doesn’t move around at all.
Whether you are playing on a high school or college team, this machine is an excellent choice. It is even well-suited to professional baseball players. You will be hard pressed to find another model that is quite as versatile and powerful.
Pros:
- Tripod that comes with machine is designed for maximum stability
- Can be adjusted for a wide range of left or right handed pitches
- Simple design makes it very easy for almost anyone to use
- Comes with large smooth rolling wheels for convenient transportation
- Throws balls at speeds over 100 miles per hour
- Designed so that you can see the ball in the machine for realistic training
Cons:
- Very heavy and difficult for someone to set up on their own
Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine
The Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine can throw balls up to 80 miles per hour. It can pitch real baseballs and softballs or practice balls. The ¼ horsepower motor that it uses allows it to deliver pitches at high speeds with amazing accuracy.
This machine features a pivoting head that can be adjusted to throw pop flies and grounders. It is very easy to set with a simple knob. The feed chute can hold up to a dozen balls at a time.
When you purchase this machine, you will also receive a sturdy metal tripod with tubular legs. The rubber tips on each leg keep the tripod and machine steady while it is throwing pitches. You can adjust the height of the tripod to match your needs.
You can simply plug this machine into a standard electrical wall outlet and start using it. It has a very simple design that doesn’t require following any complicated steps. This is just one reason that it is worth considering when looking through the best pitching machines online.
If you want to improve your hitting skills, this machine is a great overall choice. It is easy to use and can deliver a number of different pitches with consistent accuracy.
Pros:
- Capable of throwing line drives, pop-ups, grounders, and other pitches
- Adjustable speed knob can be set up to 80 miles per hour
- Can hold up to a dozen real baseballs or softballs at once
- Comes with a sturdy adjustable metal tripod that keeps machine stable
- Delivers consistently accurate pitches to help improve your skills
- Relatively lightweight and easy to travel with
Cons:
- Must be plugged into a wall outlet
Furlihong 380BH Baseball Pitching Machine
The Furlihong 380H Baseball Pitching Machine can throw plastic training balls up to 20 miles per hour. These balls are lightweight and won’t sting if you get hit by them. You will receive nine of these balls when you purchase the machine. It also comes with three feed chutes that can hold nine balls at once.
We also really like that the height of this machine can be adjusted. You can choose from three different launch angles and levels. It pitches a ball every seven seconds with an indicator, so you have time to prepare.
This machine works on four D batteries, so you won’t need to have access to a nearby electrical wall outlet. This makes it possible to use outdoors, so you can train in a variety of settings.
With a compact and lightweight design, you can easily travel with this machine. It is also easy to store when not being used.
The underside of this machine has rubber feet that will keep it firmly in place on most hard and flat surfaces. This prevents movement during pitches, so you can expect consistent results.
When you purchase this machine, you will also receive a small plastic bat. It is a great choice for children who need to work on their hitting skills. The Furlihong 380H is definitely one of the best pitching machines for kids.
Pros:
- Comes with nine sting-free practice balls and bat
- Delivers pitches at up to 20 miles per hour
- Can be easily adjusted to three different heights and launch angles
- Works on D batteries (no need for access to electrical outlet)
- Rubber feet on bottom of machine help keep it stable
Cons:
- Maximum ball speed is somewhat low
Franklin Sports Kids Pitching Machine
The Franklin Sports Kids Pitching Machine has a dial for adjusting the speed. There are 10, 15, and 20 mph options. It pitches every seven seconds, and there’s even a red light to warn you. This allows you to get into the proper stance for hitting the ball.
You will also have three different angle adjustment options to choose from—Low, Medium, and High. This virtually guarantees that you will get your needs met with each individual pitch. It has four integrated legs to keep the machine stable during pitching.
This machine comes with four foam baseballs that you can use to practice your hitting skills. The feeder can accommodate a total of nine balls at one time.
The battery operated design of this machine means that you can use it to practice in many different places, including outside. It takes a total of four C batteries.
Measuring 12 by 25.75 by 18 inches with a total weight of 4.55 pounds, this machine is very compact and lightweight. This makes it incredibly easy to store and travel with.
The versatile design of this machine is just one reason that we included it in our best pitching machines list. It is a great choice for younger players who need to work on their batting skills. You can consistently rely on it for accurate pitching performance.
Pros:
- Offers three different angle options to match height of the batter
- Multiple speed settings include 10, 15, and 20 miles per hour
- Battery-operated design means that you can practice outside
- Small and lightweight for easy portability and storage
- Can hold up to nine practice balls at once
- Simple design makes it very easy to use
Cons:
- Some customers say that it is a bit noisy
Best Pitching Machines Buying Guide
When you are exploring the best pitching machines online, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. The following list will provide you with some important criteria for evaluating these products.
Adjustable Settings
As you look into the best pitching machines, you’ll need to look at the different settings that each one offers. We recommend purchasing one that has at least a few speed settings.
If you are buying the machine for a young child, a max speed of 20 mph is acceptable. If an adult will be using the machine, it should be able to pitch balls up to at least 80 mph. A powerful motor will virtually guarantee fast pitches. It should pitch balls every six to eight seconds.
Many of these machines also have a pivoting head that allows for numerous pitching heights and angles. You’ll want to buy one that can deliver grounders, fly balls, line drives, fast balls, and pop-ups. The more versatile the machine is, the more likely you are to get your money’s worth.
Portability
Some of the best pitching machines available are designed for easy portability. Look at the size and weight of each one before making a final decision.
We recommend buying a machine that is fairly lightweight and compact. You should consider models that are battery operated, as they don’t require a nearby electrical wall outlet. This allows you to practice outside.
Many of the larger pitching machines on the market come with a tripod that has wheels on it. This also helps a lot with moving it around, and it offers the added benefit of stability.
Accuracy
The overall accuracy of your new pitching machine is something else to consider. It is absolutely crucial that it pitches balls accurately on a consistent basis. This is important when it comes to improving your skills as efficiently as possible. Make sure that you buy one that offers reliable and predictable performance.
Stability
It’s also important that you purchase a pitching machine that is designed for stability. We recommend models that have rubber feet on the bottom to keep it firmly in place while it is in use. This will ultimately help you practice effectively and eliminate the need to keep putting it back in place.
As we mentioned above, a tripod is ideal for preventing movement. It is important that the machine doesn’t move around at all.
Ease of Use
The best pitching machines will have a simple design that is easy to use. You should be able to adjust the various settings without any difficulty. The initial setup should be straightforward as well. Make sure that you purchase one that comes with an instruction manual.
Feed Chute
You will also want to look at the feed chute on each machine. The best pitching machines are designed to hold at least nine balls at once. A high-capacity chute will eliminate the need to constantly put new balls in. Some machines feature an automatic chute design, which essentially uses gravity to load the balls in one after another.
You’ll also want to find out whether or not each machine accepts real balls, as some can only accommodate practice balls. Some of these machines come with multiple chutes with different capacities. If a child is using the machine, you’ll want to use practice balls, as they don’t hurt or sting if they were to get hit by one.
Construction
A sturdy overall construction is something else to look for in the best pitching machines. We recommend models that are made of thick plastic or metal. This will ensure years of damage and wear free use.
Other Considerations
We recommend looking for pitching machines that come with a few practice balls and/or a bat. This will help you to really get your money’s worth.
Also, look for machines that feature a red indicator light that flashes before pitching. This will help you prepare yourself by getting into the proper stance.
Conclusion
The very best pitching machines on the market have a versatile design that offers multiple speed settings. We recommend buying one that has an adjustable head for multiple angles as well. Make sure that it is delivers a variety of pitches so that you can use it to train effectively. Perhaps this sports gear buyers guide can give you some other insight.
