Tennis vs. Pickleball vs. Padel: What's the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve noticed more people trading in their tennis racquets for something smaller—or heading to mysterious glass-walled courts—you’re not imagining things. The racquet sport world is expanding, and fast. With pickleball and padel surging in popularity, even die-hard tennis players are getting curious.

So what’s the difference between tennis, pickleball, and padel? And if you’re choosing a new sport (or just want to win the next dinner party debate), we’ve got your complete guide. 

 

What Is Padel?

Let’s start with the newcomer. If you’ve been Googling "what is padel", here’s the quick answer: padel is a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s typically played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court, with glass or mesh walls that allow for ball rebounds, adding a unique strategic layer to the game.

• Court Size: Roughly one-third the size of a tennis court
• Scoring: Same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game)
• Equipment: Solid, stringless paddle and low-compression tennis balls
• Vibe: Social, strategic, and wildly addictive

Popular in Spain, Argentina, and now rapidly growing in the U.S., padel is often described as “tennis with walls” and is easier to learn than it looks—making it ideal for players of all levels.

Pickleball vs. Padel

Now let’s settle the padel vs. pickleball debate. While they’re both smaller-court sports with short-handled paddles, they differ in speed, scoring, and culture.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball). The game is accessible, low-impact, and wildly popular among older adults—though younger players are catching on fast.

Key differences between padel and pickleball:

Feature	Padel	Pickleball
Court	Enclosed with walls	Open court, similar to badminton
Ball	Pressurized tennis ball	Plastic, perforated ball
Paddle	Solid paddle, often textured	Solid paddle, lighter and flatter
Play Style	Strategic, rebounds off walls	Fast-paced, net-focused
Scoring	Tennis-style scoring (15–40)	Rally scoring to 11

Tennis vs. Pickleball: Can They Coexist?

The classic debate: tennis vs. pickleball. While tennis purists may argue the two sports aren’t even comparable, the reality is they appeal to different (but overlapping) audiences.

Tennis demands more space, stamina, and skill refinement, while pickleball is more forgiving, easier on the joints, and incredibly social. It’s not a matter of which is better—but which suits your lifestyle and goals.

Key differences:

Feature	Tennis	Pickleball
Court	Full-size (doubles or singles)	Smaller, half the size
Equipment	Strung racquet, pressurized balls	Paddle and plastic ball
Learning Curve	Steeper, especially for beginners	Quick to pick up and play
Speed & Agility	High-speed rallies, lots of movement	Short sprints, less court coverage

Which One Should You Try?

• Try Tennis If: You love tradition, enjoy a challenge, and want a full-body workout with a competitive edge.
• Try Pickleball If: You’re looking for a fun, low-impact social game with quick points and easy entry.
• Try Padel If: You want the thrill of tennis with the strategic fun of squash—plus the added novelty of walls.

 

Can You Play All Three?

Absolutely. Many athletes are finding joy in cross-training among tennis, pickleball, and padel, gaining different skills, social circles, and workout benefits from each. In fact, learning one can often improve your reflexes and court sense in the others.

Final Serve

Whether you’re a tennis traditionalist, a pickleball convert, or newly obsessed with padel, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle—or racquet. Each sport offers something unique, from the power and prestige of tennis to the social ease of pickleball to the dynamic thrill of padel.

So next time someone asks "what is padel?" or wonders "is pickleball replacing tennis?", you’ll be ready to school them—on and off the court.