What happens when you're not on the pickleball court? If you're anything like me, you're probably just swapping the paddle for a podcast or a paddle review. It's like my brain decided pickleball deserves its own full-time department, and honestly, I'm not mad about it. That’s pretty much how this whole site came to be. I needed a place to channel all that pickleball energy that couldn’t fit into the actual game. Turns out, there's a lot.

Alright, I’ll admit it—I have a problem. But come on, it’s been an unreal year for pickleball content. Not just a good year, not even a great year—this was the year pickleball creators leveled up. New faces joined the party, and the OGs? Somehow, they got even better. 

Which is exactly why I felt the need to put together the definitive roundup of the absolute best out there. My criteria? Simple: three key things. 

1. No minimum subscribers
2. The channel delivers something new and unique
3. The channel publishes frequently

I know I’ll probably miss a few channels, so if I do, let me know on social media. Tag me @SpeakPickleball! 

The Best Paddle Reviewers

Let’s be honest—new gear is the universal love language of pickleballers. We’re all guilty. Paddles, grips, edge tape, slyce caps—we’ll throw money at anything if it promises to shave 0.0001 seconds off our reaction time or make us look marginally cooler during a dink rally. 

So, in the spirit of responsible indulgence, I’ve assembled my dream team—the Avengers of pickleball gear. If QVC ever got into the pickleball game, this is the lineup I’d be dialing in for immediately.

Pickleball Studio

Subscribers: 33K+

You can’t talk about pickleball Youtubers without mentioning Pickleball Studio. Fronted and founded by world-record-breaking speedcuber Chris Olson in 2021, PB Studio delivers the highest-quality and honest pickleball reviews on the market. 

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It all started when Chris realized there weren’t many honest reviews on the market. At its start, pickleball content on YouTube was mostly brand ambassadors or salesmen pushing their own products. While the channel is mostly paddle reviews, Chris hosts an info-packed podcast with his brother, Aizec, and sprinkles in some tutorials and gameplay videos for variety. His impact on the pickleball community is undeniable—his Discord channel is the most active pickleball community right now. 

What sets them apart:

With years of YouTube experience and a production background, Chris brings top-tier production quality to every video. Plus, he and Aizec come across as genuinely good people, making their content even more fun to watch.

John Kew

Subscribers: 14.7k+

John Kew is an archaeologist by day, and a pickleball reviewer by night – a self-proclaimed pickleball geek with a unique, data-driven approach to the game. Like Chris, John had a few notable hobbies of his own. He played tennis throughout high school and college, only discovering pickleball during the pandemic. John holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and B.A.s in both Psychology and Anthropology. He’s also made waves on YouTube as a drummer, with a standout video covering "Invincible" by Tool, which has racked up 1.2 million views. Holy sh*t.

What sets them apart:

John’s analytical approach to every paddle review is just so satisfying for number nerds like me. His visual graphs and side-by-side comparisons with other paddles in his database are top-notch. In addition to his candor, John is constantly developing new testing methods to capture the most precise data possible. Recently, he introduced “firepower,” a metric that combines power and pop to gauge a paddle’s overall strength. He also started to get X-ray scans of paddles to examine the composition of paddles, where I’m sure his expertise in archaeology comes in handly.

Pickleball Effect‍

Subscribers: 10k+

In 2019, Braydon Unsicker started Pickleball Effect to offer in-depth, unbiased paddle reviews. After two years and a strong response from the pickleball community, he partnered with his brother Riley to turn the site into a unique digital space for pickleball paddles. Focused on transparency, education, and helping players find the perfect paddle, Pickleball Effect was born.

What sets them apart:

Braydon and Kyle (Dinksmash Media) host one of the top pickleball podcasts, covering pro matches, new paddles, and their fan-favorite “Paddle Babble” segment, where they dive deep into paddle tech. Braydon’s always up for trying something new—even if it doesn’t quite land (like when he got ChatGPT to write dad jokes for his Slyce review). Sorry, Braydon, I know you took some heat for that one!

Pickleball Will

Subscribers: 10.4k+

Will Chaing is a Cambodian-American pickleball enthusiast and former tennis player who transitioned seamlessly to pickleball in 2021, bringing over 18 years of experience and coaching from the tennis court. As the true host *wink wink* of the "Pickleball Studio Podcast" and creator of a YouTube channel filled with gear reviews and playful gameplay challenges, he combines humor with education to grow the sport. Known for his love of gear and a knack for storytelling, Will aims to entertain and inspire others to find their passion for pickleball, one funny story at a time.

What sets them apart:

Will has been a major influence in the pickleball world, helping shape the Pickleball Studio Podcast into what it is today. While he’s currently exploring new projects off-camera, he continues to create top-notch paddle reviews, chill unboxing videos, and occasionally serves up a classic Chris Olson smackdown.

Pickleball Pursuit

Subscribers: 3.6K+

Run by Louis Kobetz, the king of pickleball short shorts and ex-soccer cleat reviewer, Pickleball Pursuit is one of my go-to pickleball channels. Their paddle reviews are not only top-notch but visually stunning as well. Louis is now branching out with creative storytelling formats like his latest series, “Can I Medal in 60 Days?”—and it’s just as entertaining as it sounds.

What sets them apart:

Louis and Justin from Pickleball Etc. run one of the most refreshingly nerdy and value-packed podcasts in the pickleball universe. Want proof? Justin blew the lid off a marketing gimmick where “titanium” paddles turned out to be glorified polyester weave. Their podcast doesn’t just call out the nonsense—it dives deep into paddle design and manufacturing, giving you the tools to cut through the noise and make smarter choices. It’s like MythBusters for pickleball gear, and honestly, we’re all better for it.

Matt’s Pickleball

Subscribers: 350+

Matt is a former software engineer turned product manager and self-proclaimed pickleball gearhead. With a background in data-driven strategy and a passion for innovation, Matt brings a unique perspective to exploring the latest paddles, balls, bags, and accessories. His mission is twofold: to provide honest, detailed reviews that help players find the perfect gear and to share his enthusiasm for the sport with pickleballers of all levels.

What sets them apart:

Matt delivers some of the best pickleball reviews out there, but his playtest videos really set him apart. He tests each paddle live, switching between stock and weighted versions, and even stacks them up against similar paddles on the market. The format is unique, and the honesty is unmatched.

Pickleball Medicine

Subscribers: 5.1k+

Dustin Fowkes, a 4th-year med student at UNC, is making waves in the pickleball content space. Despite being a newcomer, his paddle reviews are thorough, packed with stats, and never miss a single detail. Off the court, he and his friends run an afterschool program for boys from low-income homes, providing nets, paddles, and supplies weekly. Somehow, between 10-hour residency shifts, he still finds time for pickleball and reviews. Class.

What sets them apart:

His meticulous approach to paddle reviews is fresh and engaging. He shines a spotlight on new brands and uncovers high-performing paddles that often fly under the radar from the bigger paddle reviewers. PB Med delivers reviews that feel genuinely objective and fair every time.

STS Pickleball

Subscribers: 7.6k+

Steven Shipler, founder of STS PICKLEBALL produces very polished pickleball reviews. With a background in competitive golf and award-winning chocolate making, Steven discovered pickleball and quickly immersed himself in the sport, channeling his attention to detail into evaluating the nuances of each paddle. 

What sets them apart:

Every video on this channel is sharp, in-depth, and packed with good information. While the volume of reviews is impressive, the top 5 paddle roundups are a real standout. STS makes it easy to keep up with the latest trends and is always ahead of the game.

The Most Entertaining Pickleball Channels

Sure, paddle reviews are great, but sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy the chaos, creativity, and pure fun of pickleball. This section highlights the channels that mix things up—bringing you everything from hilarious gameplay challenges to uplifting content that captures the soul of the sport.

Friday Pickleball

Scott, Jake, and Isaac joined Friday Pickleball with one goal: to make great paddles accessible to everyone. They even turned down a lucrative Selkirk deal to take on the "big guys." On top of creating some of the best paddles at the lowest prices, these guys make sure pickleball is ultimately about fun. 

What sets them apart:

Paddle reviews and coaching videos dominate the pickleball scene, but Friday comes out with unique, fun, and lighthearted videos that show how fun pickleball actually is. Their uplifting content is easy to enjoy and full of good vibes – they’re my go-to lunchbreak videos.

Building Pickleball

Subscribers: 6.5k+

Brian Lim’s channel is a beautiful intersection of entrepreneurship and pickleball. The ex-pro MMA fighter and UX/UI tech designer does an excellent job documenting the fastest-growing sport in America while doing what he loves. As a 2nd-generation American inspired by his South Korean parents, his fascination with grit, creativity, and determination shines through in his videos. His channel dives into the stories behind the scenes—the founders, players, and unsung heroes shaping pickleball.

What sets them apart:

The production quality of every podcast episode and YouTube video is top-notch, rivaled only by his exceptional storytelling. In fact, much of the information in this article comes from his in-depth interviews!

Eellaup

Subscribers: 2.4k+

Accidentally joining a 4.0 DUPR open play as a complete beginner, Paul Lee (spell it backward!) shares his journey to becoming a competitive pickleball player. Starting as a 3.0 in August 2024, his gameplay videos document his progress toward reaching 4.0.

What sets them apart:

It’s really fun to watch Paul’s journey and see his growth as a player in every video. He has fun concepts like playing in a 5.0 division as a 3.7 DUPR (in a Snorlax costume). The storytelling is really fun, the vibes are good, and something about him makes you really root for his success.

The Most Valuable Pickleball Tutorials

Paddle reviews and entertaining gameplay are fun, but sometimes you just want to level up your skills and actually win a game or two. This section dives into the best pickleball coaches on YouTube—channels packed with practical lessons, smart strategies, and the kind of advice that’ll level up your gameplay.

Tanner Pickleball

Subscribers: 48K+

I’ll show you the best online pickleball coach in under 60 seconds! Tanner Tomassi is a former competitive Fortnite streamer and professional paintball player who found his true calling in pickleball. He’s gone from streaming with his mom and cracking over 100 eggs over his head mid-victory royale to giving the most valuable pickleball lessons in under 60 seconds. With over 450,000 followers and viral videos with over 30M views, Tanner brings his competitive spirit to pickleball. 

What sets them apart:

Tanner serves up the best no-nonsense pickleball tips online. Famous for his quick,  but value-packed lessons, he also breaks down pro-level gameplay, sharing his mindset, mistakes, and strategy behind every move.

Zane Navratil

Subscribers: 34.7k+

Zane “Gucci” Navratil is one of the top professional pickleball players in the world, known for his precision and electric style of play. A former Deloitte accountant, he left his corporate career in 2020 to pursue pickleball full-time and hasn’t looked back since. Zane is a two-time Major League Pickleball (MLP) champion and a fan favorite on and off the court.

What sets them apart:

Zane’s channel stands out for its mix of humor, creativity, and practical advice. Known for his sharp quips and occasional nasty nelsons, Zane has a gift for breaking down complicated pickleball concepts into easy-to-understand tips. Add in fun challenges like playing in handcuffs or with wooden paddles, and his channel is as entertaining as it is educational.

John Cincola

Subscribers 54.8K+

John Cincola is a pro pickleball player, coach, and content creator who grew up in Moline, Illinois, playing basketball, tennis, and golf. After focusing on tennis in high school, he went on to play Division 1 at the University of Illinois Chicago before transitioning to coaching high-level junior players. 

‍What sets them apart:

With 20+ pro medals and experience in almost every season of Major League Pickleball, his YouTube channel serves up some of the most technical tutorials out there. Fun fact: when I first started, his video on the proper forehand drive was my go-to—it’s like he knew exactly how bad I was and decided to help me personally.

ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta

Subscribers: 149k+

‍Kyle Koszuta is a former aspiring NBA player who is now chasing his dream of becoming a pro pickleball player. In his pursuit, he’s documented the lessons he’s learned along the way and deservedly become one of the most followed pickleball personalities on the internet. 

What sets them apart:

From pickleball drills to 3rd shot strategy lessons, Kyle’s videos are always top-notch, with plenty of playful jabs at his lesson partners to keep things lively. What stands out most is his focus on mentality and game planning—arguably the most critical skills to master as you work your way up the ranks.

Shea Underwood

Shea Underwood used to be an engineer, which, if you think about it, makes perfect sense—because who else would leave a stable career to turn their life into a full-time pickleball experiment? A few years ago, Shea traded blueprints for pickleball courts, becoming a content creator chronicling every dink, drop, and drive along the way.

What sets them apart:

Now, the focus has shifted from documenting the game to mastering it, with one clear goal: going pro. You can follow Shea’s journey—complete with insights, mishaps, and progress—in his YouTube videos and weekly email newsletter. It’s like reality TV for pickleball nerds, but way more useful.

SuperDUPR Pickleball

Superdupr Pickleball focuses on the small details that separate good players from average ones. Through visual analysis and unique breakdowns of mechanics, strategies, and rules, Jaing Liu takes a very analytical approach to help players improve. 

What sets them apart:

SuperDUPR might be new to the pickleball YouTube scene, but Liu is already shaking things up with his data-driven approach. After analyzing countless 4.0 games and his own mixed doubles matches with his wife, he uncovered a stat that flips the typical advice on its head: most 4.0 and below rallies end within five shots. Translation? Stop obsessing over dinking and start drilling your serve, return, drive, drop, and first kitchen volley. It’s the kind of insight that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about the game—and Liu is just getting started.

Ed Ju

Subscribers: 47.5K+

Ed Ju, formerly known as DavisPickleball, is a fun and positive pickleball content creator who loves to share his passion for the game. When you hear his pickleball story, you’ll understand why. As a former wedding photographer and filmmaker, Ed met his lovely wife, Maggie, on a shoot. A few years later, she fell seriously ill, which took a toll on his mental health. He discovered pickleball, which became a lifeline and pulled him out of a depressive state, challenging him to improve his fitness and entrepreneurial passions. Inspired by this, his YouTube channel was born.

What sets them apart:

Ed’s tutorials are perfect for anyone starting to take pickleball seriously. His channel has a lot of variety, from detailed guides like paddle grip breakdowns to helpful drilling lessons with pros. Whether you’re learning the basics or fine-tuning your skills, Ed’s videos have you covered.

The Best Gameplay and Analysis Channels

Sure, the PPA Tour and MLP channels bring the big names and high-stakes matches, but some lesser-known gameplay and analysis channels offer an even closer look. Whether it’s live commentary that breaks down every move or behind-the-scenes insights into how the game is evolving, these channels deliver pro-level action with a personal touch. Here are my top picks.

RealPickleball

Subscribers: 1.24k+

RealPickleball is easily one of the most underrated pickleball channels around. For those out of the loop, Jordan Briones—who also runs a top-tier pickleball camp—shares some of the best instructional content on YouTube. The backyard pro gameplay videos on this sister channel are a standout, especially with Jordan’s live commentary. And if you’re an Augie Ge fangirl like me, it’s basically a goldmine. This channel is criminally underappreciated!

What sets them apart: 

The live commentary and camera angles are some of the best on YouTube. The gameplay is top-tier and often outshines what you’ll see at the professional level.

Christian Alshon

Subscribers: 11.6k+

Christian Alshon, also known as the "Tweener King," is a pro pickleball player ranked 13th in doubles, 3rd in mixed, and 9th in singles. From Boca Raton, FL, Christian started playing pickleball in June 2021, shortly after winning the Division III NCAA tennis championship for the University of Chicago with an 18-0 singles record. His tennis background, particularly in doubles, has translated well to pickleball.

What sets them apart: 

In contrast to his flashy trick shots and eccentric style on the court, Christian’s YouTube channel is all about measured analysis and detailed match breakdowns. Beyond the highlights, he shares practical tips, breaks down advanced techniques, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a professional player. It’s a mix of skill, strategy, and personal insight that makes his channel a must-watch.

The Best Pickleball Podcasts

Podcasts are like the ultimate multitasker’s best friend—perfect for that drive to pickleball, washing dishes, or ignoring writing this article you promised yourself you’d do two months ago. The average listener subscribes to 6–7 shows, and over 500 million people worldwide are tuning in, mostly young people who’ve figured out it’s like free knowledge or entertainment on demand. Podcasts are no longer the new kid—they’re running the show.

Quick note: putting this list together was tough, but to avoid repeats, I’ve only included channels not mentioned earlier, like Pickleball Studio, Building Pickleball, The Kewcast, and Pickleball Pursuit.

The Dink

The Dink runs the largest and most comprehensive pickleball newsletter, with over 150,000 readers staying up to date on the sport. To reach even more fans, they launched a podcast hosted by pickleball pros Zane Navratil and Thomas Shields. It’s the go-to source for insider scoops from the pros, commentators, and organizers shaping the game.

What sets them apart: 

No other podcast has access to the people they do. With exclusive interviews, pro play breakdowns, and weekly recaps, it’s a must-listen for fans. Whether analyzing the strategy behind a championship rally or digging into Christian Alshon’s beef with Ben Johns, The Dink delivers insights that bring you closer to the game.

Tennis Sucks

Hosted by Travis Rettenmaier, a top 10 pro pickleball player and former ATP top 57 tennis pro, and his outspoken friend Graham D’Amico, the Tennis Sucks podcast is always a fun listen.  From thrilling MLP action to off-court antics, they share tips, stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.

What sets them apart: 

Filmed on the actual pickleball courts in St. Petersburg, Florida, this podcast brings unmatched insider knowledge from hosts with real skin in the game. As co-owners of the Major League Pickleball team Florida Smash, Travis and Graham deliver behind-the-scenes insights into the sport’s biggest events with some of the funniest unfiltered opinions on how governing organizations should be run, paired with fun behind-the-scenes stories.

Sorry Not Sorry Pickleball

SorryNotSorry Pickleball is the go-to channel for no-nonsense professional pickleball roundups, recaps, highlights, and plenty of meme-worthy moments. Known for his blunt commentary, Chris doesn’t hold back when calling out bad decisions from the guys running pickleball events. He’s not the traditional podcast, he formats his videos more like a Twitch stream. 

What sets them apart:

I don’t watch a ton of pro pickleball, but seeing how his fans rallied to support his fight for UPA approval to use footage, proves his impact in the community. If you want the best pickleball recaps, this is quite frankly the best channel to watch.

Thanks for reading, pickleballers!

Thanks for reading and sharing this post. If you’ve discovered someone new, let me know by sharing and tagging me on social media @SpeakPickleball! I read every comment :-)