“Padel is expensive, right?” – Wrong!
With Padel United you can get fully kitted out and play twice a week for less than most people spend on coffee or takeaways.
With padel exploding across the UK in 2025 – over 1,130 courts and counting – one question we get asked constantly at Padel United UK is:
“Is padel actually an expensive sport, or can I play without breaking the bank?”
The honest answer? Padel can be as affordable as you make it. It’s not like golf or horse riding where entry costs are sky-high – but like any sport, it adds up if you go premium. The great news is that with smart choices, you can play regularly at a PDL Padel United venue for less than a gym membership or a weekly takeaway habit.
Let’s break it down step by step with real 2026 UK costs (based on averages from our many clubs and national data from the LTA / Playtomic reports). We’ll cover startup costs, ongoing expenses, and budget tips to keep things cheap and cheerful.
Startup Costs: Getting Equipped (Under £150 Total)
You don’t need fancy gear to start – padel is beginner-friendly that way.
- Racket: £50–£120 (entry-level models like Head Evo or Babolat Air Viper Junior are solid at £60–£80). Avoid £200+ pro rackets until you’re hooked. Of course you can always hire from our venues a low cost to begin with! Ask one of our friendly staff or coaches ro recommend a racket for you. You can order or buy through our stores at some venues.
- Shoes: £40–£80 (non-marking court shoes with good grip – Asics Gel-Padel or Adidas CourtJam do the job without specialist padel branding).
- Balls: £5–£10 for a tube of 3 (last 4–6 sessions or more).
- Total beginner kit: £95–£210 (but ).
Pro tip: Shop sales or second-hand on Facebook Marketplace or similar can halve this.
Ongoing Playing Costs: Courts & Sessions (£10–£20 per Person per Hour)
This is where padel shines – it’s doubles-focused, so costs split easily. We really are the best value around with affordable padel as our aim and top notch courts. Prices per person at our venues – off peak rates and * means membership required.
- The Wirral – £2.50 per hour
- Colchester – £3 per hour*
- Maldon – £3.15 per hour*
- Marks Tey – £3.50 per hour
- Stansted – £4 per hour
- Cambridge – £4 per hour*
- Down Hall – £4 per hour
- Chelmsford – £4.50 per hour*
- Bushey (North London) – £6 per hour
- Erith (South London) – £6 per hour
If you play twice a week: £20–£48/month! Amazing value. (And way cheaper than gym or football leagues).
Hidden / Extra Costs to Watch (Under £50/Year)
- Clothing: Basic shorts/top: £20–£40 (use what you have for tennis/gym).
- Accessories: Wristbands/grip tape: £5–£10.
- Travel: Free if local; £5–£10 petrol if further.
- Events/tournaments: Entry £10–£30 (optional fun).
Total annual extras for a regular player: £30–£100 if you’re sensible.
Budget Tips to Keep Padel Affordable in 2025
- Play off-peak: typically save 20–40% on court fees.
- Group up: Always book as 4 – apps like Playtomic help find partners.
- Second-hand gear: Facebook Marketplace or Depop for rackets/shoes at half price.
- Memberships : Adds many benefits – contact us for details.
- Free resources: YouTube tutorials for basics; join free social mixes at clubs.
- Start small: One session a week + home drills = progress without big spend.
- PDLU App: Details below – play more, pay less, earn rewards!
Bottom line: Padel can cost as little as £5–£20 per session per person once you’re set up – cheaper than cinema tickets or a pub round. It’s not “expensive” – it’s value-packed for the fitness, friends and fun you get back.
👉 Haven’t tried it yet? Come see for yourself at Padel United UK – book a low-cost intro session and feel why it’s worth every penny (without spending too many).
