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Best Pitching Machines of 2023
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If you want to improve your hitting skills, a pitching machine is the best way to do it. The beauty of a baseball pitching machine is that it allows you to improve your hitting skills on your own time, wherever you’d like.
The majority of pitching machines nowadays are portable, plug into any standard wall outlet, and are affordable. But, with the introduction of new technology and innovation, it has become increasingly difficult to determine which pitching machine is suitable for your age, skill level, and budget.
My name is Kevin, and I am the owner here at Anytime Baseball Supply. I have worked in the baseball and pitching machine industry for years, have sold thousands of pitching machines, served thousands of customers & baseball teams, and attended numerous baseball trade shows. I either personally own, have used, or demoed all of these pitching machines in this article. We stay in the know of baseball technology, so you don't have to.
Without further ado, let’s see what the best pitching machines of this season have to offer!
| Image | Pitching Machine | Best Pitching Machine for: |
|---|---|---|
 |
Jr. Hack Attack | Best Baseball Pitching Machine |
 |
Hack Attack 3 Wheel | Best Three Wheel Pitching Machine |
 |
Bata-2 | Best Two Wheel Pitching Machine |
 |
Jugs BP1 Pitching Machine |
Best Single Wheel Pitching Machine |
 |
Jugs MVP Combo Machine | Best Combination Pitching Machine |
 |
Elite eHack Attack | Best Programmable Pitching Machine |
Best Baseball Pitching Machines
The most commonly used machines are baseball pitching machines. Our customers ask us all the time, what are the best pitching machines for baseball? We ask them back, "What is your budget, and how old is the player that will be using it?" We carry machines for all different ages, skill levels, and budgets.
Helping you or your kid improve their hitting skills and get to the next level is our top priority, and with these top 3 best pitching machines for baseball, it's never been easier.
Junior Hack Attack 3 Wheel Machine
With a major league quality and a youth design, the Junior Hack Attack by Sports Attack is the best baseball pitching machine for serious youth players. Its three wheels and three separate motors give you complete control over what type of pitch it throws: right and left-handed breaking balls, sliders, fastballs, and more. From personal experience, I would say this machine gives you the most bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Throws fastballs, right and left-handed breaking pitches, including curveballs, sliders, and split fingers, all at speeds of 70+ MPH
- Lightweight and portable
- Great accuracy and control with every pitch
- Capable of fungo drills: grounders, fly balls, line drives, catcher's pop-ups, and more.
- Machine Style: 3 Wheel
- 5-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons:
- High price point
Heater Deuce 95
One of the most versatile machines on the market, the Heater Deuce 95 can throw consistent pitches anywhere from 25-95 mph. This machine can pitch both fastballs and curveballs, giving your players a wide variety of pitches that they can face. With unique features like this, this baseball pitching machine will make a home run hitter out of any batter!
Pros:
- Comes equipped with automatic ball feeder that holds up to 12 baseballs
- Pitches fastballs and breaking balls at 15-95 MPH
- Suitable for both children and adults
- Capable of infield & outfield drills; grounders, pop ups and line drives
- Voted best pitching machine for the money and best value pitching machine
Cons:
- High price point
- Does not come with transport wheels, making it difficult to move around
Jugs BP1
Take batting practice to the next level with the Jugs BP1. Everyone who plays ball knows the classic blue pitching machines and the name Jugs. There's a reason we've all seen these machines before - because they're the best. The BP1 can pitch pitching machine balls at variable speeds of 15-70, consistently and precisely. It also features a 360 swivel head design, allowing you to aim the machine up or down for grounders, pop ups or line drive drills.
Pros:
- 15-70 mph speed range.
- Generally used by Pitching Machine Leagues, High Schools, & Youth Leagues.
- 360 degree movement for fly balls, pop-ups and ground balls.
- Softball and combo pitching machine options available
- Plugs into standard wall outlet
- Weights only 75 lbs.
Cons:
- Doesn't throw curveballs or sliders
Customer Review: See what our customer has to say about his Hack Attack!
After months of using the Hack Attack, Wade and his son can't imagine not having a Hack Attack! Watch the video to see what they say.
Heater Deuce Demo
I bought a Heater Deuce a few months ago for myself and friends to use. I had a lot of fun seeing how much break I could get on pitches so I decided to make a video. Pitch speed is displayed on radar!
Best Three Wheel Pitching Machines
When it comes to wheels on a baseball pitching machine, the more the merrier. In fact, the best baseball pitching machines built are all three wheel pitching machines. With three wheels, a machine can throw harder, more consistently and with a wider diversity of pitches, including right and left handed breaking balls, split fingers, fastballs and more! Let's take a look at the best 3 wheel pitching machines for this upcoming season!
Hack Attack 3 Wheel Pitching Machine
Easily the best baseball pitching machine on the market, the Hack Attack 3 wheel pitching machine has everything you need to take your hitting skills to the next level. With three independently rotating motors controlling each wheel and 3 separate dials to control the speed of each wheel, you have full control over each and every pitch!
Pros:
- Throws fastballs, right and left handed curveballs, sliders, and split fingers at speeds up to 100 mph
- Comes with built in transport wheels for portability
- Practice all kinds of fielding drills; Deep fly balls, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups with reverse spin, & grounders.
- Overall Best 3 wheel pitching machine
- Comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects and workmanship
Cons:
- High price point
Spinball Wizard 3
Much like the Hack Attack, the Spinball Wizard 3 one of the best pitching machines out there. It also features 3 wheels with 3 separate motors spinning independently with control knobs for each wheel. The Spinball Wizard 3 wheel can throw fastballs, right and left handed curveballs, sliders, 2 and 4 seam fastballs and sinkers all at pitch speeds of 40-100 mph.
Pros:
- Easy to use Smart control panel allows full control over every pitch
- Throws pitches from 40-100 MPH
- Free freight shipping
- Almost instant recovery time
- Comes with built in transport wheels for portability
- Durable steel frame and legs
- Warranty: 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Jugs BP3
Designed by the best baseball pitching machine engineers, the Jugs BP3 can really do it all. This 3 wheel machine can pitch at various speeds of 40-90 mph, and incorporates a changeup that keeps batters guessing at the plate. The machine can be operated from a remote control, making things easy on the coach and parents.
Pros:
- 40-90 MPH speed range.
- Large 3" LCD display - set the digital speed you desire by simply turning a knob.
- Changes between fastball and changeup giving your hitters a "real" pitcher vs. hitter experience.
- Throws the following nine pitches: Fastballs and changeups, right and left-handed curveballs and sliders, right and left-handed cutters and split-finger fastballs.
- Realistic 64" delivery height.
Cons:
- Hard to transport
Jugs BP3 Demo + Review
I went to the ABCA trade show to check out the latest technology in the baseball world, and I got a full demo of the new Jugs BP3 with changeup from a Jugs engineer. Check out the video to see why this is one of the best 3 wheel machines ever!
Best 2 Wheel Pitching Machines
Just a step down in performance and price from 3 wheel machines are 2 wheel pitching machines. Two wheel machines have many of the same capabilities as their more expensive counterparts, but with less power and less break on the breaking pitches.
This doesn't mean two wheel machines aren't a good option. In fact, they're amongst the most popular baseball pitching machines out there. Their compact size, strength and lower price point are attractive to players ages 10 and up, parents and coaches alike. Let's take a look at the best 2 wheel baseball pitching machines on the market!
Heater Deuce 75
Drastically improve your hitting skills with the Heater Deuce 75 2 wheel machine. Perfect for kids ages 10 and up, this 2 wheel machine can pitch fastballs and breaking balls at speeds of 75 mph and up, as well as infield and outfield drills. With its easy plug and play design, the Heater Deuce can plug into any standard wall outlet.
Pros:
- Pitches fastballs and breaking balls at 15-75 MPH
- Throws grounders, line drives and pop ups
- Suitable for both children and adults
- 12 Ball Automatic Feeder
- Fully Enclosed Wheels for Safety
- Adjustable Pitch Height
Cons:
- No transport wheels, sold separately
Spinball Wizard 2
Spinball really designed a pitching machine to get the most out of every working part and dollar spent. Arguably the best pitching machine for its value, the Spinball Wizard 2 wheel pitching machine is an excellent 2 wheel pitching machine with capabilities of pitching fastballs, right and left handed curveballs, and sliders at speeds of 40-100 mph!
Pros:
- Control dials allow you to create any type of pitch
- Throws pitches from speeds of 40 MPH-100 MPH
- Baseball/ Softball combo machine option available
- Changing from baseball to softball is very easily
- 5 year manufacturer's warranty
Cons:
- Can be difficult to transport
BATA-2
The preferred choice of many major league baseball teams, the BATA-2 pitching machine is truly the top of its class. With the capabilities of throwing breaking balls and fastballs up to 100 MPH, this machine is the real deal! With variable speed control, you can throw pitches anywhere from 25 MPH up to 100 MPH. The BATA-2 can throw either baseballs or softball pitching machine balls, or throw both with the purchase of the BATA-2 combo machine!
Pros:
- 10-Year manufacturer's warranty
- Pitches baseballs at speeds from 25-100 mph
- Realistic pitch height and delivery
- Pitches fastballs, sliders, curveballs, and splitters
- Comes with transport wheels
Cons:
- None
Heater Deuce 75 Pitching Machine Review
I was talking to one of our customers, and he mentioned to me how much he loved his Heater Deuce pitching machine, and how his kids loved it to... So I asked if he would be willing to give us a video review, and here it is. If you're on the fence about buying one of these, hopefully this video can help.
Best 1 Wheel Pitching Machines
One wheel pitching machines are great for youth baseball player or anyone looking to step up their batting skills. One wheel pitching machines can generally only throw fastballs, and mild breaking pitches, as well as grounders, pop ups and line drives. Let's take a look at the best one wheel pitching machines of this season!
Heater Sports Real Baseball Machine with Auto Ball Feeder
The thing we love about the Heater Real baseball machine is that it has most of the same qualities as our other top 10 pitching machines, but with a much lower price tag. A great backyard baseball pitching machine, the Heater Real baseball machine can throw fastballs up to 52 mph, has an easy plug and play design, throws infield and outfield drills, comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and costs only $449.00!
Pros:
- Perfect for players in Little league and up
- Great for pitching, as well as infield and outfield drills
- Overall great value
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Lightweight and portable pitching machine design
Cons:
- Can't throw breaking balls
Heater Sports BaseHit Real Baseball Machine
Last but not least, the Heater Sports Basehit definitely deserves a spot on our best one wheel pitching machine section. Another great backyard pitching machine, we had to vote this one as the best home pitching machine. With pitching capabilities up to 45 MPH, the BaseHit Real Baseball machine is great for kids from ages 5 all the way up to adults. The BaseHit’s revolutionary design incorporates a fast spinning motor and small covered wheel to pitch balls with the world’s most compact pitching machine ever developed.
Pros:
- Variable speed control & dual bearing electric motor pitches baseballs up to 45 mph.
- 6” Wheel cushions the balls and pitches consistent strikes every time
- Automatic Feeder delivers a ball every 10 seconds
- Rugged composite pitching machine housing to protect you from spinning wheel
- Adjustable pitch height knob to get the pitch height you want.
Cons:
- Can only throw up to 45 mph
- Can't throw breaking balls
Best Combination Pitching Machines
Need a pitching machine for baseball and softball? If you have a son in baseball and a daughter playing softball, or if you coach multiple leagues, you're going to need a combo pitching machine. The best combination pitching machines are the ones that can quickly switch from baseball to softball, throw hard and constantly.
JUGS MVP Combo Machine
Get the best of both worlds with the Jugs MVP Combination machine. This machine comes equipped with ball chutes wide enough for baseball and softball, as well as quick detach baseball and softball legs. Adjust the speed with the speed dial and LCD display. What are you waiting for?
Pros:
- Throws up to 20-60 mph
- Easily change between pitching baseballs and softballs with no changes to the pitching machine
- Throw grounders, pop ups and line drives
- Great for all ages
- 5-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons:
- Can't throw breaking pitches
Jugs Combination Machine
One of the best baseball and softball combo pitching machines out there, this Jugs machine is loved by parents and coaches all over the country. The Jugs combo pitching machine comes with two sets of legs, one set is long, for baseball - and the other is short and curved for softball. Changing the legs takes only a few minutes and makes this a preferred pitching machine by many.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 sets of legs - one for baseball and one for softball
- Plugs into any standard 110V outlet
- 360 movement makes outfield drills a breeze
- Switch between baseball and softball in a matter of seconds
Cons:
- High price point
- Does not come with transport wheels
Heater Sports Combo Machine
The Heater Real Ball Combo Machine is one of the most popular and high quality Heater Sports pitching machines. This pitching machine can throw baseballs at 60 mph and softballs up to 56 MPH at variable speeds. This makes the Heater Real Combo the most affordable baseball and softball combination pitching machine. This pitching machine can throw slow or fast pitch softball and easily convert over to baseballs in minutes.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Pitches Baseballs up to 60 mph and softballs at 56 mph
- Pitches 11” & 12” Softballs
- Converts Easily from Baseballs to Softballs
- Lightweight design for portability
Cons:
- Can't throw breaking balls
Best Programmable Pitching Machines
When budget isn't an issue, and losing isn't an option, baseball teams buy a programmable pitching machine. Programmable pitching machines are at the cutting edge of baseball technology, and have the most to offer any baseball player looking to drastically improve their batting average and performance at the plate. Let's take a look at the best programmable pitching machines!
Elite eHack Attack Programmable Pitching Machine
The most advanced and best pitching machine ever made is the Elite eHack Attack. This programmable pitching machine features a 12" LCD screen that allows you to navigate through a preset library of pitches, create your own pitches, and create pitch sequences. This machine has so much to offer, we really recommend looking at the eHack Attack pitching machine product page to learn more!
Spinball iPitch Programmable Machine
Next in line is the iPitch. Much like the eHack, the iPitch features a large screen that allows you to sift through pitches, create pitch sequences, and program your own pitches. We love the pitch sequence option because it keeps the batter guessing what pitch will come next, and that is what will take your players to the next level. We recommend checking out the iPitch pitching machine product page for more info.
I Hack Attack Programmable Machine
Quickly sift through the eight different preset pitch types and defensive drills to pick the right pitch or drill you want to work on with your team. If you don't like the preset pitch and defense drills, you can easily change them by making adjustments to the machine. This thing is so advanced that we recommend checking out the I Hack Attack product page for more info.
Best Pitching Machine for Catchers
Training your catcher for the next big game is no easy task. Finding someone to throw hard and consistently to them can be a difficult thing to pull off, which is why many coaches have started relying on pitching machines for this.
The pitching machine that is a good fit for your catcher depends on their age and skill level. For young kids 5-10, they just need a machine to throw hard and straight. Something like the Deuce 75 baseball pitching machine will do.
For players 12 and up, they will need something bigger and stronger. Around this age range, kids will start seeing breaking pitches like curveballs and sliders, so you'll want a machine that can keep up. Overall, we thing the Junior Hack Attack pitching machine is the best pitching for catchers of that age range. Although, for adult players you might want something even more powerful, like the Jugs BP3 machine.
Best Home Pitching Machines
Every young player needs a backyard pitching machine. A pitching machine for home can really be the difference in striking out or hitting a dinger at their next at bat. They younger a kids starts learning how to hit, the more fun they will have playing baseball.
Our best backyard pitching pitching machines are from brands like Heater Sports and Sports Attack. These two brands create awesome pitching machines for home use, while keeping quality and budget top of mind. These pitching machines also pair well with and backyard batting cage as well.
Our customers really like the Heater BaseHit and the Heater Real Baseball pitching machines as they both are budget friendly, consistent and portable. If you want a workhorse that you don't plan on moving around, check out our Iron Mike baseball pitching machines.
For more information, be sure to check out our collection of backyard pitching machines.
Pitching Machine Brands
What is the best pitching machine brand? When you're beginning your search to buy the right pitching machine, figuring out what brand you want is a good place to start. So what are the best manufacturers of pitching machines? Let's take a look at some of the best pitching machine brands.
Heater Sports: You get the most bang for your buck with a Heater Sports pitching machine. They make machines for youth players ages 5 all the way up to high school. Take the Heater Sports Basehit for example, it makes for a great backyard baseball pitching machine. Overall, we vote them as top value pitching machines on the market.
Sports Attack: The cream of the crop, Sports Attack pitching machines are truly on the cutting edge of pitching machine technology. They're constantly pushing the envelope and improving their products we can improve our game. Their machines are used by professional teams all over the country and will improve any hitters swing, hand eye coordination, and overall batting average.
Spinball: One of our favorite two wheel pitching machines out there is the Spinball Wizard 2. For the quality and price point, you really can't go wrong. Spinball also makes a three wheel machine as well as the Spinball iPitch pitching machine that takes machine technology to the next level! A lot of customers love using the ball feeder option with their Spinball to make it into an automatic pitching machine so they can do solo batting practices.
Jugs: The biggest name and most popular brand in the baseball training world is Jugs pitching machine. Their blue pitching machines are recognized by anyone who ever played little league. They have an awesome line of products ranging from single wheel machines (great for youth leagues and machine pitch leagues) to high tech 3 wheel pitching machines. They truly have it all, and their 50 years of being in business shines through with each product they design and manufacturer.
Pitching Machine FAQ's
Can You Put Real Baseballs in a Pitching Machine?
A question we get asked all the time, "can you put real baseballs in a pitching machine?" The short answer is yes - most pitching machines work with real baseballs. However, for better performance, we recommend using pitching machine baseballs or dimpled balls. These baseballs are made specifically for machines and feature strong kevlar seams and real leather that stand up to the fast spinning machine wheels.
Can You Use a Pitching Machine by Yourself?
Another question we get asked a lot is "can you use a pitching machine by yourself?" Yes. All you need is an automatic ball feeder and you can use any pitching machine by yourself!
Final Words
A pitching machine is an essential piece of baseball training equipment that need only be purchased only once in your lifetime. Considering the prices of the machines and the amount they will help develop your baseball skills, it is absolutely worth researching and educating yourself on which pitching machine is right for you.
When making your buying decision, the most important factors to consider are price point, age and skill level, which pitching machine style is right for you, portability, machine longevity and warranty.
If you have any questions regarding which pitching machine is right for you, feel free to contact us here, or give us a call at (888) 466-0009 to get help from one of our expert staff members.
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1 comment
gokelly
What is your opinion of the Atec M3X? and where would you rank it?
What is your opinion of the Atec M3X? and where would you rank it?