Best Volleyball Nets – Outdoor, Backyard, Pool, Beach, Portable
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Whether you’re a casual or competitive player, need a set for the kids, are looking to play in your backyard, the pool or beach, or even need a replacement net, rest assured we have you covered.
Whatever the situation, take a look at our list of the best volleyball nets for a wide variety of purposes.
Contents
7 Top-Rated Volleyball Nets
- Best Overall: Cobra 3-in-1 System
- Best for Outdoors: Park & Sun Sports Spectrum Classic
- Best for Backyards: Baden Champions Series Volleyball Net
- Best for Beach Volleyball: Vermont Portable Beach Volleyball Set
- Best for In-Ground Pools: Parks & Sun Pool Net System
- Best for Above-Ground Pools: Poolmaster Mounted Volleyball Set
- Best for Kids: Boulder Portable Net Set
- Premium Pick (Net Only): Champion Sports Volleyball Net
- Runner-Up (Net Only): Mikasa VBN-2 Volleyball Net
Cobra 3-in-1 System – Best Overall
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The Cobra 3-in-1 System takes top pick. It’s not only its sheer versatility that makes it so great; it is portable, can be used on sand, outdoors in your backyard and on grass, as well as for tennis and badminton – but also its construction quality, overall design, and price. Comparable systems are priced a couple of hundred dollars more, and we wouldn’t say they’re as good as the Cobra in any case.
One of the real strengths of the Cobra is how there are no hazardous wires, ropes, or steel ground plates and spikes that get in the way and can cause injury. This is a rarity in the world of volleyball net systems, especially ones designed to be portable. Parents will no doubt love this aspect of the Cobra.
Read my complete Cobra Volleyball Net Review
Another factor that has contributed to its popularity, especially among tournament directors who require nets that can stand up to serious play and competition, is how the net stays tight so players can play off it. Of course, professional competition specifications are adhered to, including the ability to adjust the height of the net to meet men’s, women’s, and junior’s official specifications.
The Cobra can be set up and taken down in as little as 5-10 minutes, is backed by a lifetime warranty, and comes with a storage bag that can comfortably hold the net system with room for extras like balls and pumps.
Related Article: Best Grass Volleyball Shoes
Park & Sun Sports Spectrum Classic – Best Outdoor Volleyball Net
New: $274.99![Buy Now]()
Considering that Park and Sun Sports is the official volleyball net supplier to several top volleyball tournaments and leagues, it should come as no surprise that the Spectrum Classic takes the award for the best outdoor volleyball net.
It has everything that is required for playing volleyball at the highest level.
This includes the 2” USA made telescoping aluminum poles that feature an easy push-button locking system to adjust to men’s, women’s, and co-ed playing heights as easy and quickly as possible. These poles are also the lightest you will find from any volleyball set at this level, requiring just one person to carry – yet also manage to be heavy-duty and built to last.
The net, which is designed to withstand even the harshest outdoor conditions, is regulation size, measuring 32” L x 3” H, and is pre-attached to the poles. The net tapes and side sleeves are designed in a way to keep the net as taut as possible and distribute tension evenly from the top to the bottom.
The boundary lines meet regulation and can be firmly secured to the ground without being displaced by outdoor conditions or by play.
For its design, durability, easy set-up, and meeting all the requirements that are demanded at the highest levels, the Spectrum Classical should be your first port of call for an outdoor volleyball net.
Related: Read my complete Parks And Sun Volleyball Net Review
Baden Champions Series Volleyball Set – Best Backyard Volleyball Net
New: $99.99![Buy Now]()
The Baden Champions Series Volleyball Net is a great choice for anyone looking to play in their backyard, especially more casual players.
It comes with everything you need to get started. In addition to the adjustable steel poles and nylon mesh net, a volleyball, pump, boundary lines, and storage bag are included.
The net, which contains waterproof tape, to handle outside conditions, stays surprisingly tight given the set’s price and doesn’t cause much if any issue when attempting to play off it. Setting everything up is also easy, taking no more than 10-15 minutes.
While the Baden Volleyball Set is primarily designed for backyard use, some have had success using it on the beach too.
Vermont Portable Beach Volleyball Set – Best for Beach Volleyball
New: $219.99![Buy Now]()
If you’re looking to play on the beach look no further than this volleyball set from Vermont.
With its 28ft x 3ft net and ability to adjust the height to meet the requirements for men, women and co-ed play, the Vermont Set meets all official FIVB Beach Volleyball regulations.
Read my complete Vermont Net Volleyball Net Review
Beach volleyball nets need to be able to withstand harsher conditions than regular outdoor sets due to the wide-open area with strong winds they will be exposed to. Thankfully, the Vermont’s net is up to the task due to its 45ply twisted PE with 100mm mesh design.
The set comes with two poles, guy ropes, ground stake, 50mm blue weaving court tape (16m x 8m court), sand anchor kit, and a heavy-duty carry bag. It is simple to set up and take down, requiring no more than 10-15 minutes.
Related Article: Best Grass Volleyball Shoes
Park & Sun Sports Portable Net System – Best In-Ground Pool Volleyball Set
New: $71.25![Buy Now]()
The Parks & Sun Pool Net System is designed specifically for in-ground pools.
It features two telescopic PVC support bases that are easy to adjust and can be filled with sand or water. These stay in place once filled, which isn’t always the case with other pool volleyball sets.
No issue with the tightness of the net either. The net which measures 24 feet stays fairly taut thanks to the two 15-foot tension cords and ground stakes
Another popular option to consider is the Poolmaster Across In-Ground Set. It is similarly priced and comes with a ball too.
Poolmaster Above-Ground Mounted Volleyball Set – Best Above-Ground Volleyball Set
New: $116.68![Buy Now]()
If you have an above-ground pool and want to play volleyball the Poolmaster Mounted Volleyball Set is a good choice.
It includes everything you need to get started, including side ties, upright poles, bracket mounts, and a ball. The bracket mounts are portable and repositionable, so you can place the net in the exact position you want.
Once it is set up everything feels sturdy, and will be able to withstand repeated use.
Boulder Portable Net Set – Best for Kids
New: $72.99![Buy Now]()
If you’re specifically looking for a volleyball net set for kids that couldn’t be simpler to use, the Boulder Portable Net Set is the right choice. It can also be used for badminton, tennis, soccer, tennis, and pickleball too.
The net is about 3ft shorter than regulation, which makes it 5ft 1” at its tallest, and great for introducing kids to the game – particularly kids aged between 5-9.
It is very simple to set up and take down, requiring no tools or stakes, so that even your kids can do it within 5 minutes.
Best Nets Only
Champion Sports Volleyball Net – Premium Pick
New: $116.26![Buy Now]()
Champion Sports Volleyball Nets come in Tournament (32’ x 3”) and Olympic (32’ x 3 1/8”) sizes. The company’s nets are regarded as the best volleyball nets you can buy due to their very durable design. You will see these being used at the highest levels of the sport.
Each net is made from rip-resistant 3mm knotless nylon material for the best durability possible. Often overlooked but very important is the 2.5” white headband top and bottom. This is designed for maximum visibility and maintains its shape after repeated use.
For added stability and support, each net also features a 38′ vinyl-coated steel cable along the top and bottom and side pockets with dowels.
Mikasa VBN-2 Competition Volleyball Net – Runner Up
New: $69.99![Buy Now]()
If you’re not willing to pay as much as for the Champion Sports Net, the Mikasa VBN-2 is a good alternative. Measuring 32’ x 3” it meets tournament regulation standards.
Made out of polyester with aircraft steel cable it isn’t quite as durable as the Champion net, but will still hold up to frequent use. For non-competitive use, and if you’re playing in your backyard, indoors, or on the beach, you can’t go wrong with the VBN-2 net.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Volleyball Net
- Net or Complete System
Unless you need a replacement net or will be playing in a public space where poles are already installed, it’s likely that you will require a complete net system. These complete systems come with everything you need to start playing and sometimes other useful accessories like a ball and pump.
- Size of the Net
Not everyone looking to buy a volleyball net system requires it to meet regulation standards. Sometimes the space you have to work with in your backyard will determine the size you will buy. However, keep in mind that if you’re planning on playing in a public space like a beach or park where the poles are already installed, these are usually set up to meet regulation standards.
- Indoors vs. Outdoors
If you’re planning on playing indoors, you’re quite limited in your choices for a complete net system. This isn’t only because most people haven’t got the space for an indoor system, but it is typically only in schools and youth centers where people will play indoors. It’s therefore far more common to see replacement nets instead of complete systems being sold for indoor use. Indoor volleyball sets are usually installed professionally.
- Portability
In your search for buying the best volleyball nets, you will come across in-ground systems or portable net systems. As its name suggests, in-ground means that the poles are fixed to the ground, and are therefore not designed to be moved. Portable systems, on the other hand, are movable and can be taken with you to set up any place you want to play. These are usually much more popular and are designed to be lightweight.
- Skill Level
The quality and design of the net may vary according to your skill level. If you’re a very serious player or are planning on using the net for competitions, you probably require one that not only adheres to professional standards but is very well-constructed. You will inevitably have to pay more for the privilege though.
If you’re more of a casual player a basic set that allows you and your friends or the kids to have a quick, fun game will probably suffice.
- Brand
While you can pick up a volleyball net and set from a generic brand for a few dollars in Walmart it’s probably not a good idea to do so. Pay a little more and buy from a brand that is in the business of designing and manufacturing volleyball nets and systems. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that you will be getting a net that is of higher quality and is designed to last.
All the options we have listed on this page are from recommended brands.
- Features and Accessories
Some manufacturers include useful additional features and accessories like a ball, pump, and scoring systems. These are by no means necessary, and it is often better to buy these items separately as the quality often leaves much to be desired. Still, depending on your budget and requirements it’s something to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the regulation height of a volleyball net?
The official height of a net varies for men and women. Many systems, especially the more expensive ones, allow you to adjust the height to cater better to beginners and younger players.
For ages 15 and above, the heights are:
- Men – 2.43 meters (7ft, 11 5/8 inches)
- Women – 2.24 meters (7ft, 4-1/8 inches)
Below age 15, you can use:
- Boys and Girls ages 13-14 – 2.24 meters (7ft, 4-1/8 inches)
- Boys and Girls ages 11-12 – 2.13 meters (7ft)
- Boys and Girls ages 10 and under – 1.98 meters (6ft, 6 inches)
What is the height of the poles?
A standard volleyball net pole stands a distance of 2.55 meters (8ft, 4 inches) from the ground.
What is the regulation width of a volleyball net?
The regulation length is 32 feet. This allows for one foot of netting on each side of the court.
What are volleyball nets made of?
Volleyball nets are typically made from nylon or polyester. Even though polyester is less durable than nylon, it is usually the better choice when playing outdoors due to its ability to better withstand outdoor conditions like strong winds, rain, and UV light.
How thick should a volleyball net be?
The gauge, or how thick the twine of the net is, varies but usually comes in 18 or 36. The higher the number, the thicker the gauge, and the more durable the net. As volleyball nets don’t typically take a high amount of direct or repetitive impacts, a net with 18 gauge will be good enough for most.
Can a volleyball net be used for other sports like badminton?
Volleyball nets and badminton nets are not the same. As a volleyball court is wider and longer than a badminton court, the dimensions are not the same, though adjusting the height is fine and can be set to regulations. Nets designed for volleyball also have bigger holes, which will allow the shuttle to pass through if badminton is played. Volleyball nets also attach to their posts in a different way.
However, if you’re just looking to play a spot of backyard badminton as well as volleyball for fun this probably won’t be too much of a concern for most.