Best Tennis Strings
for Beginners 2026
The best tennis strings for beginners are multifilament or synthetic gut strings — not polyester. They are softer, more powerful, and arm-friendly. Our top pick is the Wilson NXT (best all-round) or Wilson Sensation (best budget). Avoid stiff polyester strings until you have a consistent, fast swing.
Strings matter more than most beginners realise. The wrong string — typically a stiff polyester — will sap power from your shots, punish mis-hits, and can even cause arm pain before you've had a chance to develop your game. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you exactly what to buy.
Top 8 Tennis Strings for Beginners (2026)
Every string below scores highly on comfort and power — the two qualities that matter most when you are starting out. All are rated for beginners in the StringMatch database of 157 strings.
The Wilson NXT is the gold standard for beginner and recreational tennis. It uses hundreds of micro-fibres to mimic the feel of natural gut at a fraction of the cost. The result is a soft, powerful string that absorbs shock on mis-hits and protects your arm. It holds tension well for a multifilament and is available everywhere.
Babolat's Xcel is a premium multifilament built specifically for players seeking soft feel and easy power. It uses an elastomer wrap around a high-density multifilament core to deliver exceptional shock absorption — making it one of the most arm-friendly strings on the market. Ideal if you have had any shoulder, elbow, or wrist discomfort.
Widely regarded as one of the finest multifilament strings ever made, the X-One Biphase uses Tecnifibre's unique Biphase technology — a combination of polyurethane and polyester fibres — to deliver a plush, natural-gut-like feel. It has the highest comfort score of any string in this list and is exceptional for players with arm sensitivity.
Head's Velocity MLT is a reliable, well-rounded multifilament that punches above its price point. It delivers a lively, comfortable response with enough control for recreational rallying. A great option if you want a trusted brand name without spending heavily — and it's widely stocked in sports shops.
The Wilson Sensation is the budget-friendly sibling of the NXT — softer and cheaper, with a slightly looser feel. It lacks the tension maintenance of pricier strings, but for casual beginners playing once or twice a week it delivers excellent comfort and power at a price that makes restringing regularly feel painless.
If you want maximum durability on a tight budget, the SG Spiraltek is hard to beat. Its spiral-wound construction gives it a livelier feel than most entry-level synthetic guts, and it holds tension better than cheaper round nylon strings. A sensible choice if you are still developing your game and don't want to spend much on strings.
A true classic that has been strung in beginners' rackets for decades for good reason. The Prince Synthetic Gut is durable, affordable, and predictable — offering a firm-but-comfortable response that suits players hitting with moderate pace. It won't excite you, but it won't let you down either.
Wilson's entry-level synthetic gut is the string you'll find pre-installed in many beginner rackets — and for good reason. It's reliable, affordable, and widely available. Stiffer than multifilaments but solid for players just getting started, especially if you want to try tennis before committing to a higher-end string.
Answer 9 quick questions and StringMatch scores every string in our database against your playing profile.
Find my string in 90 seconds →Side-by-Side Comparison
All eight strings ranked at a glance. Scores are from the StringMatch database (0–100 scale).
| String | Type | Comfort | Power | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson NXT | Multifilament | 88 | 82 | 55 | Mid |
| Babolat Xcel | Multifilament | 86 | 84 | 54 | Mid |
| Tecnifibre X-One Biphase | Multifilament | 90 | 84 | 52 | Mid |
| Head Velocity MLT | Multifilament | 84 | 82 | 55 | Mid |
| Wilson Sensation | Multifilament | 85 | 80 | 52 | Budget |
| Babolat SG Spiraltek | Synthetic Gut | 72 | 75 | 68 | Budget |
| Prince Synthetic Gut | Synthetic Gut | 70 | 74 | 68 | Budget |
| Wilson Synthetic Gut | Synthetic Gut | 71 | 76 | 70 | Budget |
What to Look For in a Beginner Tennis String
1. Comfort over control
As a beginner, your priority is comfort. Stiff strings transmit shock directly to your arm and feel harsh on off-centre hits — which will happen often when you are learning. Soft multifilament strings absorb vibration and give you a more forgiving response.
2. Power, not spin
Polyester strings are marketed for spin and control, but they require a fast, consistent swing to generate those qualities. Most beginners swing slower and less consistently, meaning a stiff poly will just deaden your shots. A soft multifilament naturally launches the ball more, compensating for a slower swing.
3. 16 gauge (1.30mm)
Thicker strings last longer and are more forgiving. As a beginner you don't need the extra feel that thinner gauges offer — and you'll appreciate not having to restring as often. Stick with 16 gauge (1.30mm) until you are hitting with more consistency.
4. Durability is secondary
Beginners rarely break strings — that's a sign of a powerful, fast swing. So don't be swayed by durability claims. Even strings rated 52 on durability will last a casual beginner 6–12 months. Prioritise how the string feels over how long it lasts.
String Types Explained for Beginners
Multifilament — the best choice for most beginners
Multifilament strings are made from hundreds or thousands of micro-fibres bundled together, similar in structure to natural gut. They are soft, elastic, and very comfortable. They provide excellent power for slower swings and are gentle on the arm. The downside is slightly lower durability compared to polyester — but as a beginner, that won't matter.
Best picks: Wilson NXT, Babolat Xcel, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
Synthetic Gut — the durable budget option
Synthetic gut strings are made from a single solid nylon core with outer wraps. They are firmer than multifilaments but more durable and considerably cheaper. A good choice for very casual players or those who want a no-fuss string that will last. Less arm-friendly than multifilament.
Best picks: Babolat SG Spiraltek, Prince Synthetic Gut, Wilson Synthetic Gut
Polyester — avoid as a beginner
Polyester (or co-poly) strings are the most popular strings on the pro tour. They offer excellent control and spin — but only if you swing hard and consistently. For beginners, polys feel stiff and dead, produce less power, and can cause arm problems. Save these for when you've developed a proper technique and swing speed. Read our guide on polyester vs multifilament for a full breakdown.
What Tension Should Beginners Use?
String tension affects how the ball bounces off your racket. Lower tension = more power and a bigger sweet spot. Higher tension = more control but less power.
For beginners, string at the lower end of the recommended range — typically around 50–54 lbs (23–25 kg) for most multifilament and synthetic gut strings. This gives you more power and forgiveness on off-centre hits, which is exactly what you need when still learning.
For a deeper dive, read our full tennis string tension guide.
StringMatch analyses 157 strings across 9 factors — level, swing speed, arm health, budget, and more — and gives you a personalised ranked list in 90 seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Find my perfect string →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tennis string for a complete beginner?
The Wilson NXT or Babolat Xcel are the best tennis strings for complete beginners. Both are soft multifilament strings that provide excellent power and comfort without requiring a fast swing. They are forgiving on mis-hits and gentle on the arm, making them ideal for players still developing their technique.
Should beginners use polyester or multifilament tennis strings?
Beginners should use multifilament or synthetic gut strings, not polyester. Polyester strings are stiff, require a fast and consistent swing, and can cause arm problems for players who hit with less technique. Multifilament strings are softer, more powerful, and far more forgiving — exactly what a beginner needs.
What tension should a beginner string their tennis racket at?
Beginners should string at the lower end of the recommended tension range — typically 50–54 lbs (23–25 kg). Lower tension gives more power and a larger sweet spot, which helps when you are still developing a consistent swing.
How often should a beginner restring their tennis racket?
Playing 1–2 times per week, restringing once or twice per year is sufficient. A useful rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Even without breaking, strings lose tension and feel dead over time.
What gauge tennis string is best for beginners?
Beginners should use 16 gauge (1.30mm). Thicker gauges are more durable and more forgiving. Thinner strings (17 or 18 gauge) offer more feel and spin but break faster and are better suited to experienced players.
Can a beginner use natural gut strings?
Natural gut is the most comfortable and powerful string available, but it is very expensive (£30–50+ per set) and less durable in wet conditions. For beginners, a premium multifilament like Tecnifibre X-One Biphase offers similar comfort at a fraction of the cost. Save natural gut for when you are playing regularly and can justify the investment.