Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Pitching Machines

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Jugs PS50 Perfect Pitching Machine
Jugs
PS50 Perfect Pitching Machine
Check Price
Best for Experts
Bottom Line

An accurate machine that ensures a pitch down the middle.

Pros

Can be used for both baseballs and softballs. Pitches at 50 miles an hour. Legs can be adjusted to accommodate any height. Easy to set up and disassemble.

Cons

Practice balls may fall apart at higher speed pitches.

Best Bang for the Buck
Louisville Slugger Blue Flame
Louisville Slugger
Blue Flame
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This machine throws a variety of objects, is built well, and stays put.

Pros

Throws anything from hardballs to volleyballs. Batteries or electricity are not required. Sturdy and solid. The "T" design of the base allows it to stay stable at faster speeds.

Cons

Assembly instructions are confusing. Handle is prone to failure.

SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss
SKLZ
Catapult Soft Toss
Check Price
Easy to Use
Bottom Line

This is a simple and effective machine for practicing.

Pros

Good tool for teaching offense and defense. Large receptacle for storing balls. Easy assembly. Very accurate. Throws a ball every 8 seconds. Very easy to set up.

Cons

Plastic construction is not strong, and durability is an issue. Unit is noisy during use.

Heater Deuce Pitching Machine
Heater
Deuce Pitching Machine
Check Price
Solo Play
Bottom Line

A great option for those wanting to practice alone.

Pros

The feeder holds 12 balls and can pitch every 10 seconds, allowing you to get ready for each pitch. Can pitch up to 75 mph. Can pitch breaking balls as well as fastballs. Remains stable.

Cons

When the machine is pitching at higher speeds it can be inaccurate.

JUGS Lite-Flite
JUGS
Lite-Flite
Check Price
Premium Performance
Bottom Line

This model is a top choice for consumer-grade pitching machines.

Pros

Consistently timed delivery allows for rhythm in practice. Easy assembly. Extremely reliable and durable. Speeds up to 85 mph. Range of movement allows for various types of pitches.

Cons

On the more expensive end of the spectrum, but you are paying for construction quality and durability.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

35
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best pitching machines

For many baseball and softball players, perfecting their hitting mechanics and timing is one of the most frustrating parts of the sport. That’s why a pitching machine can be such an effective training tool. It allows you to react to sharp, consistent pitches, so you can work on all aspects of your game as a hitter.

But not all pitching machines are the same. You need to know what type of machine to get, as well as ball type, pitch speeds, and other features the machine should have to really help you become a successful hitter. The wide variety of pitching machines on the market can make choosing the right one a serious challenge.

Here at BestReviews, our goal is to take the frustration and confusion out of shopping. We don’t accept promotional products, which means you never have to worry about our recommendations being biased. We discuss the product categories we’re evaluating with trusted experts and consumers to figure out what features are most important, and then we run some of the top contenders through field testing to get an even better sense of how they perform. That means we’re able to provide you with all the facts you need to make shopping a breeze.

Ready to choose a pitching machine? Consider our top five recommendations in the product list above. If you want general pointers on shopping for a pitching machine, continue reading our shopping guide.

Content Image
For the best results from batting practice, hit pitches thrown by machine and by pitchers, so you can work on your timing and mechanics under different conditions.

Types of pitching machines

A pitching machine is a device that automatically throws balls for the purpose of batting practice and hitting drills. As a result, most pitching machines are geared toward baseball and softball players, though some machines can also accommodate other balls, such as soccer balls or volleyballs, for drills related to those sports. There are several different types of pitching machines to consider.

Armed pitching machine

This is the most common style of pitching machine. It features an arm that rotates to pitch the ball to the batter. This type of machine is the one most often used by professional hitters because it allows the hitter to see the ball for a longer period, which can help with timing.

However, these machines can only throw fastballs. They also can be hard to move and tend to be more expensive.

"Serious athletes should look for a pitching machine that can simulate both left- and right-handed pitching. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Wheeled pitching machine

This type features one to three wheels that spin in order to throw the ball at the batter. The more wheels, the more types of pitches the machine can throw, such as fastballs, curveballs, and sliders.

This type of machine is easy to move and store, but it doesn’t usually offer the same top speeds as armed models. This type is usually less expensive than armed pitching machines.

"Some larger, professional-grade pitching machines have wheels to make them easier to move around."
STAFF
BestReviews

Spring-loaded pitching machine

This pitching machine is completely manual. When the lever is pulled, the springs propel the ball to the hitter. This type of machine doesn’t allow for different types of pitches, so it works best for younger players.

Spring-loaded models require a second person to feed balls to the machine and pull the lever. This type of pitching machine is fairly inexpensive.

"Compressed air and spring-loaded pitching machines typically work best for Little Leaguers and other youth baseball players. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Compressed air pitching machine

This type of pitching machine pushes air through the device so a strong spring can then pitch the ball to the batter. Like a spring-loaded model, some compressed air pitching machines require a second person to press the button to pitch the ball.

These pitching machines are highly portable and usually battery operated, so they can be used anywhere.

Pitching machine benefits

  • Consistent Pitches: With a pitching machine, the pitches always come at the hitter at the same angle, so you always get good pitches to hit.  

  • Specific Speeds: A pitching machine allows you to set the velocity of the pitches, which you can’t always do if a coach or friend pitches to you.

  • Accurate Location: A pitching machine can send pitches over specific locations on the plate, which is nearly impossible with live batting practice.

  • Improved Mechanics: Because a pitching machine delivers accurate pitches, specific speeds, and accurate locations, you can concentrate on your mechanics when you bat. This means you can pay attention to whether you’re turning and squaring your hips properly as you swing.

  • Improved Timing: Being able to set precise speeds on a pitching machine means you can work on your timing, so you know you can hit a fastball when you see one in a game.

Pitching machine features to consider

Power source

  • Automatic pitching machines require a power source to operate, either batteries or an outlet. Because most pitching machines are used outdoors, it can be difficult to find an appropriate outlet, which limits where you can use the machine. Battery-operated models can be used anywhere, making them highly portable.
  • Manual pitching machines use compressed air or springs to launch the ball, so they can be used anywhere. Keep in mind that manual machines require another person to press the button or pull the lever.

Adjustability

For the most versatility, you should be able to adjust the pitching machine height (to accommodate hitters of all ages), flight angle, and throwing distance in order to use the machine for defensive drills in addition to batting practice. On many machines, you simply turn a knob to adjust the height, distance, or flight angle, allowing for fast, user-friendly operation.

"A pitching machine with adjustable speed allows hitters to perfect their timing on the various pitches they might see in game conditions."
STAFF
BestReviews

Ball compatibility

It’s important to consider the type of balls that are compatible with a pitching machine before you purchase it. Some machines only work with practice balls, while others work only with regulation baseballs or softballs. You’ll need to invest in a large number of practice balls to start with, but they typically last longer than baseball or softballs.

You can also find some pitching machines that work with volleyballs and soccer balls, which may be helpful if you want to use the device to help train for multiple sports.

Pitch speed

Most pitching machines can throw the balls at a various speeds, but they have a maximum speed, which is important to consider before buying.

  • A machine with a maximum of 45 miles per hour is usually sufficient for Little Leaguers and other youth players.

  • A machine with a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour or more is suitable for high school and college players.

  • A machine that allows for both slowpitch and fastpitch play is suitable for softball players.

  • Some machines have different maximum speeds depending on the type of ball that is used. Because regulation softballs and baseballs are heavier than practice balls, the machine may not be able to throw them as hard.  

Pitch types

For the most comprehensive batting practice, it’s important to choose a pitching machine that can throw all the pitches you want to work on. All models can throw fastballs. There are even some machines that can throw screwballs and knuckleballs. However, many don’t throw curveballs or sliders. You’ll pay more for a machine that can throw a greater variety of pitches, but experienced players often consider it worth the investment.

"A pitching machine designed for softball practice should be able to deliver underhand pitches. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Pitch frequency

Automatic pitching machines pitch balls at certain intervals, so hitters can practice batting on their own. The machines can pitch a ball every seven to 15 seconds, but the frequency usually isn’t adjustable.

Safety features

An automatic pitching machine throws balls at high speed, which can be dangerous. If the batter isn’t ready for a pitch, it’s easy to get injured. Look for a model that has some type of indicator light or other means of alerting the batter that a ball is about to be pitched.

Pitching machine prices

Pitching machines vary greatly in price based on the type of machine, what skill level the machine is designed for, how fast it pitches, and the types of pitches it throws. In most cases, you can expect to pay from $30 to $3,500.

  • Beginner Youth Machines: A low-speed automatic pitching machine that throws only fastballs and is suitable for new Little Leaguers and other young players usually costs between $30 and $75.

  • Advanced Youth Machines: A mid-speed automatic or manual pitching machine that throws only fastballs and is suitable for advanced Little Leaguers and other older youth players usually costs between $75 and $200.

  • High School/College Machines: A mid- to high-speed automatic or manual pitching machine that throws fastballs and curveballs and is suitable for high school and college students usually costs between $200 and $500.

  • Professional Machines: A high-speed automatic pitching machine that throws fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and other pitches and offers professional-grade performance can cost as much as $3,500.
Content Image
When you first work with a pitching machine, try bunting the ball a couple of times to get a feel for the machine’s speed and consistency.

FAQ

Q. Can pitching machines be used for both softball and baseball practice?
A.
It depends on the model you choose. Some machines are designed for both softball and baseball pitching, while others are meant solely for one sport or the other. It’s important to consider your needs and select a model with product specifications that explicitly state it can be used for the type(s) of pitching you need.

Q. What types of balls work best in a pitching machine?
A.
Some pitching machines are only compatible with practice softballs and/or baseballs, which are lighter and may have a textured surface. Other machines only work with regulation softballs and/or baseballs. Some machines can use both practice balls and regulation softballs or baseballs. In that case, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Some hitters like using regulations balls in a pitching machine because practice can better mimic actual game play. But practice balls are usually less expensive. They can also be thrown more consistently by a pitching machine. Whatever you decide, use balls that are all the same type and in the same condition to make sure that the pitches are as consistent as possible.

Q. What age should kids be when they start practicing with a pitching machine?
A.
In general, children under the age of six shouldn’t practice with a pitching machine. For extremely young hitters, it’s best to use a tee or let the coach throw the pitches for practice.

Our Top Picks