Best Baseball Pitching Machines [2023] – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

There are many ways for you to practice hitting, but nothing even comes closer to swinging at a pitch thrown from a machine. A pitching machine is an extremely valuable tool for training baseball and softball players of any age. If you have the best baseball pitching machine, you don’t need to partner up with a friend, coach, or somebody else. In fact, you can go practicing anytime you want, if you have a decent amount of space. A baseball pitching machine is certainly the best option for you if you are committed to improve your hitting.

There are some great baseball pitching machines available on the market. All of them have certain great qualities and features. We know these many options can be rather overwhelming, so we have picked out the best baseball pitching machines available in the market for you.

Best Baseball Pitching Machines – Comparison Table

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Best Baseball Pitching Machine – Product Descriptions

1. Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• Throws at 15 – 70 mph speed.
• Provides 360° movement
• Runs on 110V AC generator
• 75 lbs. product weight

Whether it is a baseball or softball, this Jugs BP1 Pitching Machine will serve best for you. It is one of the best pitching machines of its kind and extremely reliable for young athlete’s training. It throws the deliveries from a realistic height along with a baseball chute. This pitching machine has long straight legs and a 12ʺ softball chute and short curved legs. You get a higher speed range up to 70 mph.

With its digital readout display, you can easily set your Jugs BPQ combo machine to throw at the exact speed you want. It allows you a higher degree of control when it comes to training your players for different ball speeds. It even gives you the feature of throwing any ball you want like dimpled or seam. 

Even one person can remove the legs of this pitching machine and load it into the trunk of the car. It does require power to operate so beware of that. It has a swivel-design base providing a 360° movement for fly balls, pop-ups, and ground balls. It runs on a 110V AC generator or the Optional Complete Practice Battery Pack. You get to enjoy some incredible performance and durability compared to other similar devices.

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2. Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine

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Quick Features

• 25.13 lbs. product weight
• Throws at 60+ Mph speed
• 110V AC generator power supply
• Three large concave wheels
• Pitch selection chart with elevation control

The Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine has all the features one would love to have in the best pitching machine. It has a unique three-wheel design allowing you to see the ball clearly all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration, and release. It gives you an actual live-arm sense of timing and location, making it easier for you to see the angle of release and stride.

A baseball player can understand the importance of timing and vision to succeed in this game. This baseball pitching machine helps you find your ball timing by giving a clear picture of the angle of release.  It offers you three speed knobs so you can quickly dial fastballs to any breaking pitch. You can adjust the elevation handle by raising or lowering it for your convenience.

Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine can throw softballs at 60+ Mph. It also has the feature that you can move the pitch up and down for finding the perfect striking zone. It is a very lightweight and highly portable machine and can be used in your garage as well though if you are practicing on a solid floor we recommend using basketball shoes instead of baseball shoes. You can quickly move it on and off the field. You just need to tilt the machine, un-socket the legs, and easily roll on two transporting wheels. It is the only machine that allows you to throw a 7.5ʺ diameter vision training ball.

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3. Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine

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Quick Features

• 25 lbs. product weight
• Throws baseballs at 18-45 Mph
• Throws soft and lightweight balls at 60 Mph.
• Throws slowpitch softballs with 12-feet arch
• No batteries or electricity required 

Louisville Slugger Blue Flame is a famous baseball pitching machine. It is also the official Pony Baseball and Softball League pitching machine for the past few years. This pitching machine provides an affordable and fun way for players to perfect their swing and grow in confidence. What makes this machine perfect for practices and games is the fact that it requires no electricity to operate it.

The Blue Flame Pitching Machine makes a coach’s job easier by throwing reliable, consistent, and accurate pitches. It is often used as an alternative in coach-pitch leagues to overcome the fear of live pitching. Its lever action does all the job for you by flicking baseballs with constant speed and accuracy. It is an easily portable and hassle-free machine that can be used indoors and outdoors.

This device is more than just a pitching machine, it throws accurate fly balls and hard ground balls consistently to incorporate in your drills. It can throw real baseballs and softballs at 18-45 Mph while the soft, lightweight balls can go up to 60 Mph. Many teams in America’s youth leagues use this machine i.e. Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball, and the Cal Ripken Division.

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4. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 35 lbs. product weight
• 30-50 Mph speed range
• 110V AC power source
• 360° swivel
• 2-year product warranty

You cannot complete a list of baseball pitching machines without JUGS. This machine provides a perfect way for honing the swings of your hitters. It can throw Lite-Flite, poly baseballs, and softballs with ease. You will enjoy its full range of movements that include fastballs, curves, and sliders. It has a swivel-based casting design to provide 360° versatility for fly balls, ground balls, and pop-ups.

JUGS Lite-Flite Machine has a speed range of 30-50 Mph or 85 Mph at 25-feet. You can only use Lite-Flite baseballs, 11ʺ or 12ʺLite-Flite softballs, or Bulldog poly balls. Don’t use any other type of balls as it may damage the machine. It is perfect for children and youngsters as they can practice and hone their swing without worrying about getting hit by the ball.

This base softball pitching machine can throw both left and right-handed pitches so it doesn’t matter which side of the plate you prefer. You can improve your defense as well using this machine which isn’t all about hitting practice. You can switch from softball to baseball in seconds by the “Quick-Change Design” system. There is an “always see the ball” delivery system to help batters see the ball from the chute.

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5. First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 50 lbs. product weight
• 5-year limited warranty
• Throws regular baseballs/softballs at 10-70 Mph
• Throws dimple balls at 10-60 Mph
• Electric power source

This best pitching machine is a great choice for your backyard or coaching a youth baseball or softball team. It is basically an entry-level budget model by First Pitch. Still, it has some great features along with versatility and solid construction. It is a smaller model which is very easy to transport. 

This machine has been assembled in the USA features a swivel-based design with reversible legs for baseball and softball. It can throw dimple balls baseball/softball at 10-60 Mph and the regular baseballs/softballs at 10-70 Mph. It has a steel and aluminum-based construction making it a much more durable product than some other pitching machines.

First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine is great for fielding drills as well as giving you a break from your fungo bat. It can pitch pop-ups, fly balls, fastballs, changeups, and grounders. You can also use it with regulation baseballs, 11ʺ and 12ʺ softballs, and dimple balls. You can adjust pitch height and speed quickly and can switch between baseball and softball due to its reversible legs.

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6. Zooka ZS740 Baseball Pitching Machine

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Quick Features

• 38 lbs. product weight
• 12V sealed rechargeable battery
• 110/220 VAC, 50/60Hz battery charger
• Speed adjustment from 10-70 Mph
• Elevation adjustment from 2°-80°

Zooka ZS740 is an astounding baseball pitching machine just like its name. It certainly has all the features you want in a best baseball pitching machine, i.e. it’s easy to use, affordable, and fully digital piece of equipment. It is a lightweight product so carrying it around won’t be an issue. It also features a swivel tripod stand for suitable height and location adjustments.

Zooka ZS740 is a battery-powered pitching machine so you don’t have to deal with annoying power cords or generators. The pitching machine features 12V internal rechargeable battery packs that are enough to through day-long practice sessions. You can also have an extra backup Zooka external battery which you can use without taking off the existing internal battery. This addition will give you an extra 1000 pitches at 40 Mph.

There are no safety concerns related to this baseball pitching machine. It doesn’t even include spinning wheels or other moving parts for that matter. Instead, the machine uses an air compression system to throw the balls out of the barrel. This also means you don’t have to spend any money on costly wheel replacements. The Zooka digital interface has password protection for enhanced safety. 

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7. Heater Sports Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 47 lbs. product weight
• The ball feeder holds 12 baseballs
• Pitches real baseballs up to 55 Mph
• Pitches lite baseballs up to 80 Mph
• Heavy-duty pitching machine

Heater Sports is a brand famous for producing wonderful equipment just like this baseball pitching machine. It is a high-quality pitching machine by Heater Sports at an affordable price. It features an all-metal housing with an automatic ball feeder that has the capacity to hold 12 baseballs. It is a perfect machine for every age group and also be used for professional games.

This Heavy Duty Baseball Pitching Machine has a powerful ¼ horsepower motor. This motor has the capacity to throw baseballs at variable speeds up to 52 Mph. So, with 12 baseballs at your disposal and such speed, there is no need to practice with another player. It can give you some fielding practice as well, with a little adjustment you can catch grounders and fly balls.

You can use a standard wall outlet to plug the machine and use it easily. It also gives you the option of using third-party backup packs for your convenience. This baseball pitching machine consists of a 0-10 speed control for adjusting the real ball pitches from 10-55 Mph. If you use lite baseballs, you can even adjust the pitching speed from 20-80 Mph.

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8. Heater Base Hit Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 15.75 lbs. product weight
• 30-days money-back guarantee
• Throw baseballs at 45 Mph
• Throw lite-balls at 60 Mph
• Built-in machine harness snatcher

If you want to be a great baseball hitter with quick wrists, you have to have this Heater Base Hit Pitching Machine. According to the manufacturer, it is the safest and most affordable real baseball pitching machine to make you a great hitter with a keen eye and a powerful swing. This machine can pitch lite-balls up to 60 Mph and real baseballs up to 45 Mph.

The Base Hit has a revolutionary design comprising of a fast spinning motor and a small covered wheel to pitch the balls effectively. You can easily pitch baseballs, lite-baseballs, and plastic practice balls. You can hit the perfect pitch easily by adjusting the pitch height according to your choice. 

The overall assembly of this baseball machine is quite easier. You need to simply open the box and snap the three tubular steel legs into the tripod-stand. Now, attach the high-impact composite pitching housing with two quick-attach knobs. You can also connect a 12-ball auto-ball feeder. Plug the power cord in an electrical outlet and you have a ready baseball pitching machine.

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9. Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 4.89 lbs. product weight
• 7-second pitches
• 6 aero strike balls included
• 3-angle adjustable height

This baseball machine provides the ultimate training aid for any young slugger. You have a liking for baseball; this mechanical baseball machine will give you the necessary batter pitching and fielding practice. It is a perfect way for you to introduce your kid to baseball. You can practice hitting or fielding all at once by adjusting the launch angle to work on the desired skill.

If you want to practice hitting, you can do that by adjusting the height to your liking. In the same way, for fielding skills, you can set the launch angle to practice pop flies or ground balls. These features make this machine the best for building the basics of your kids that they will rely on for the rest of their baseball career.

Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine has a tripod-style base and ground stakes for added stability. The telescopic ball feeder can expand to hold 9 balls. 6 white aero strike baseballs are included in its purchase. The ball pitches every 7 seconds for improved accuracy and precision on the field. It is perfect for practicing multiple batting angles and styles.

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10. BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine

[Check Price on Amazon]

Quick Features

• 32 lbs. product weight
• Throws baseballs at 30 – 60 Mph
• Runs on 110V AC generator
• 6 seconds pitch interval

Get batters ready for their next big game with this BSN Bulldog Baseball Pitching Machine. It happens to be a versatile combo pitching machine that’s lightweight, great for indoor and outdoor use, and very easy to use. This machine is ideal for holding lengthy batting practices without wearing out pitchers. For instance, its heavy-duty legs can adjust for baseball and softball in just a matter of seconds.

This pitching machine can throw baseballs or softballs between 30 – 60 Mph to simulate a variety of pitches. It has a urethane wheel that is durable and gets rid of any issues that may be caused by air pressure. You can gain more confidence of your hitting power and swing for the fences by this machine. Just set the pitching machine up in the perfect spot and practice with ease. It runs on a 110V AC or a 0.25 – HP DC motor.

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Best Baseball Pitching Machine – Buyer’s Guide

Choosing an appropriate baseball pitching machine might get tricky for some people. To tackle this issue, we have given several important factors here to consider before purchasing the best baseball pitching machine.

1. Durability

Normally, the best baseball pitching machines are of good quality material, still, you need to make sure the one you have lasts for a long time. Sadly, many people don’t care for that factor and often have to face disappointment. You also have the option to upgrade the current version of your pitching machine. The lifespan of pitching machines can vary between 1 – 10 years. High-end models also come with a longer warranty than normal.

2. Speed

Pitching speed is another important consideration to take into account. This also depends on your intentions to set up your machine. For example, if you intend on setting up your machine at a regulation distance, speed should be your main concern. However, if you intend to set up your machine much closer, the speed can be lower as well. If your setup is a 24-feet batting cage, the ball will get to you a lot faster and requires quick reaction times.

3. Portability

It is a fact that you have to carry your best softball pitching machine out in the field. Sometimes, you don’t have an electrical outlet available in the field of your practice. In such a case, you can buy a pitching machine with an internal rechargeable battery that will greatly increase the portability of your machine. Some pitching machines are fully mechanical and don’t need electricity or batteries to operate. 

4. Type of Tires

Pitching machines use two types of tires, i.e. pneumatic tires and solid tires. These tires have some distinct differences between them as explained below.

1. Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires are air-filled tires but they are a bit smaller in size. Some prominent brands like JUGS, First Pitch, and Heater Sports use these tires. You need a pressure pump and a pressure gauge for these tires. They have the issue that they wear out faster than solid tires and take longer to recover between pitches.

2. Solid Tires

Solid tires don’t have air in them. They last much longer and recover quickly between pitches. They keep their shape for a long time and won’t flatten out. You don’t have to worry about tire pressure in solid tires. 

5. Types of Pitches

The basic type of pitching machines for baseball and softball concentrates on one pitch, i.e. the classic fastball. It is the easiest one for a machine to replicate being a straight and simple pitch. If your players are at an advanced level, they will have to face more challenging and deceptive pitches from their opponents. For this, advanced machines are required to help in facing curveballs, sliders, and sinkers.

Best Baseball Pitching Machines – FAQs

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1. Is it safe to use a pitching machine at home?

Yes, it is entirely safe to use a baseball pitching machine at home. Some of them are even best suited for home use. It is recommended to set a batting cage for safety. You can also use lite balls as an added “insurance” against broken windows, dented cars, and brushes.

2. Can any pitching machine be used for softball and baseball?

No, not all machines can be used for both these sports. They are very similar sports but baseball has certain kinds of pitches and speeds that softball can’t come close to. There are some specified models that you can buy that are suited for both these sports.

3. What voltages do pitching machines usually operate on?

For both portable and non-portable variants of pitching machines, the standard voltage is 110V AC. It can vary from model to model but normally the mentioned voltage is enough for consistent performance.

4. Are batting cages helpful?

A batting cage is a useful tool when it comes to improving your swing. It lets you practice some important drills necessary to become a better hitter.

5. How fast do pitching machines throw?

It depends on the model you have. Some machines can even throw at 90 Mph followed by a 75 Mph curveball. You can easily find baseball pitching machines having speed from 30 – 80 Mph.

Final Views

For any kid, youngster, or pro baseball player, a baseball pitching machine is an essential tool to improve swing and maintain consistency. It is important to invest in the best baseball pitching machines to gain confidence in your game. As you have seen, these pitching machines come in a wide range of features and prices. Choose one that best fits your current and future needs.