Dogs love to play fetch, but not everyone has the time or the patience to stand out in the hot sun and throw a ball repeatedly. For those people, there are automatic ball launchers for dogs that are designed to fire tennis balls for you. Automatic launchers are a great way to keep dogs of all sizes active without having to disrupt your day to do so. This guide includes seven reviews for some of the best automatic ball launchers on the market right now. It also has a helpful buyer’s guide that will give you all of the important info and tips you need to make the best decision for you and your dog.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 8 Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs

1. Crafts Central Automatic Dog Ball Launcher – Best Overall

The Crafts Central Automatic Dog Ball Launcher tops our list as the best overall automatic ball launcher for dogs because it includes all of the best features in one package. It includes four modes, near, medium, far, and random, for a variety of playstyles. It uses latex balls, which are saliva resistant, making this product easier to maintain than most other options. The latex balls also fly further than traditional tennis balls and hold up better to dirt and chewing. It has the option to be powered via the included adapter or with batteries (8x C batteries, not included).

All of this adds up to the automatic ball launcher that has it all. This is a great all-around launcher that will work for small and medium sized dogs, providing hours of fun. It is also easy to reload, and the balls are easy to wipe off, so the play doesn’t have to stop for interruptions.

The two downsides to the Central Crafts Automatic Dog Ball Launcher are the fact that the machine is a little noisy, which can be off-putting for some dogs, and that the machine uses special balls. This means you cannot buy cheap tennis balls at the local store to use with the Central Crafts Automatic Dog Ball Launcher. You can, however, easily buy replacements online if you need them.

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2. iLearn Kids 2 in 1 RC Baseball & Tennis Pitching Machine – Best Value

iLearn Kids 2 in 1 RC Baseball & Tennis Pitching Machine is not specifically designed for use with your dog, but it will work all the same. Since this is a simple pitching machine designed for children, the price is a lot lower than some other options, and we think it’s the best automatic ball launcher for the money. Even at a much lower price point, this machine will still launch balls automatically and your dog is sure to love it. It has two modes, Remote Control and Automatic. It has an auto shut off which will stop the machine if it jams or remains on too long without consistent use. It also includes a bat, a racket, and six balls. That is a great value and outpaces many other competitors.

The downside is that the iLearn Kids 2 in 1 RC Baseball & Tennis Pitching Machine uses its own special balls, which are not designed for dogs. It fires lightweight plastic balls, which are great for fetching, but a dog might easily damage them if they chew. You can buy a pack of six replacement balls from the same store page if you need more. Regular tennis balls are likely too heavy for this machine.

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3. Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine G5 Rechargeable Ball Launcher – Premium Choice

The Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine G5 Rechargeable Ball Launcher is a fantastic all-around ball launcher with some great features you won’t find anywhere else. First, this thing has an absolutely insane capacity. It can hold up to 17 individual tennis balls or over 20 smaller balls. That means that you can load this thing up, set it, and forget it.

It also comes with a remote control so you can turn it off or adjust the settings from a distance. It includes five balls, but you can easily pick up more tennis balls at your local store. It also has a timer that you can set so you can tailor the firing interval to meet your dog’s individual needs. Lastly, it has a super wide top so that you can easily dump in a number of tennis balls at once. You can even train your dog to return the balls themselves by having them drop the tennis balls into the machine. The capacity plus the fine-tuning options sets the Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine G5 Rechargeable Ball Launcher apart from the competition.

However, those features come at a very literal cost. This machine is more expensive than most competitors, and it will require a hefty budget to acquire.

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4. IDOGMATE Small Interactive Ball Launcher

The IDOGMATE Small Interactive Ball Launcher is a great option for people with small dogs. For many small dogs, regular tennis balls are simply too large to have fun with. The IDOGMATE Small Interactive Ball Launcher uses specialty balls that are just 1 ¾ inches in size, which is much smaller than a typical tennis ball. There are even options to buy replacements or backup balls so that you have a good stock of them.

This machine features three modes: Trainer, Rest, and Continuous Play. Rest mode allows you to set the machine to fire balls at specific intervals which can be a good way to get small dogs up and moving without overexerting them. Trainer mode lets you fire the balls manually, so you control the play session. The IDOGMATE Small Interactive Ball Launcher features rechargeable batteries and an automatic cut off to help save power if you forget to turn it off.

IDOGMATE Small Interactive Ball Launcher is likely not a good match for large dogs who will easily destroy the small balls. Some users have also reported that the battery life is not as robust as they would have liked.

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5. Franklin Pet Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher

The Franklin Pet Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher is the perfect automatic ball launcher for big dogs. That is because this launcher uses full sized tennis balls. The Franklin Pet Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher includes one tennis ball and one all-weather outdoor ball. You can set it to three different launch angles, with the highest angle being able to launch a tennis ball over 40 feet, which is perfect for larger dogs. This product does not require batteries; it comes with a power adapter. But you have the option to load it with D batteries (not included) if you so choose. This launcher is easy to adjust and has one simple on-off switch to operate.

Some people report that this machine is loud, which can make it scary for some dogs. It is also recommended that this machine be stored inside when you are not using it. Users have reported issues when they store it outside in the weather.

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6. iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy

The iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy is a great option for dogs of all sizes. It fires regulation sized tennis balls, which makes it easy to stock up on affordable replacements when needed. It is also super easy to reload. Simply drop the tennis balls into the open top and wait for the machine to do its job. The iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy is also silent, which is nice because some of these machines can be noisy. At its highest mode, this machine can fire tennis balls up to 40 feet, which is a sizable distance. That makes this machine the perfect product for large dogs that like to run.

The biggest drawbacks to the iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy are the price and the fact that some people report that this machine stops working after some time. That is often due to the fact that people load it with wet or dirty balls. Those frustrations are warranted because this is a pricey option, and having something crap out at any point after spending a good amount is very disheartening.

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7. LAKAYA Automatic Ball Launcher

The LAKAYA Automatic Ball Launcher is a great small ball launcher with a number of different options. Instead of just shooting the ball at a single distance like some competitors, the LAKAYA Automatic Ball Launcher has four different modes to choose from. You can choose the short range mode for small dogs or medium and long range for bigger dogs. You can even select random mode to change things up and keep your dog on their toes. This launcher uses 2-inch balls which are included.

The LAKAYA Automatic Ball Launcher is easy to load from the top and includes the option to run on batteries or with a power cord. You can easily run an extension cord out into the yard. If you choose to use batteries, this launcher uses eight C batteries, which are not included. Owners with large dogs might not appreciate the smaller balls included with this machine.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Automatic Ball Launcher

Ball Type

While all of these machines have one purpose, to launch balls for dogs, they all do so in slightly different ways. Each machine is suited for a different type of ball, and it is important to read what kind of ball is required before buying. Some machines launch standard tennis balls, while others require you to purchase special balls designed for an individual product. The ball type, size, and cost will all factor into which machine is best for you and your dog. Do not assume that all launchers fire standard tennis balls, because that is not the case.

Remember to Keep It Clean

One of the biggest things that people forget is to keep their balls clean before inserting them into the machine. Many negative reviews say that the machines stop working over time, but that is largely due to dirty balls. Balls must be dry and free of debris like grass before they can be loaded. It is a good idea to keep a rag on hand that you can use to wipe off the balls before you reload them. Loading wet balls or balls with dirt and grass on them will gum up these machines and cause them to fail prematurely. It is also a good idea to keep a rotation of fresh balls nearby for long play sessions so you can swap out the dirty ones for clean ones.

Consider Options for Reloading

Each automatic ball launcher will need to be reloaded once it has fired all of the balls. There are multiple ways to reload a ball launcher, and some are easier than others. Some machines have a rack that you have to take out and load by hand. Others have simple open tops that you dump the balls into. Some require you to load each individual ball before it will fire. Reloading is an important part of using these products, and if you get one that has a burdensome reload process, it could hamper the fun and keep you from fully enjoying your time with it.

Budget

Automatic ball launchers for dogs have a surprising amount of variability in price. Prices can range from $50 all the way up to $200. This means that it is a good idea to have a budget in mind for what you want to spend. You also need to consider the fact that some of these launchers require special balls, which might cost extra. Some machines also use a hefty amount of batteries (multiple D and C sizes), which can constitute another additional cost. Be sure to carefully read the product descriptions and look out for hidden costs so that you know exactly how much you need to pay to get your new toy up and running.

Conclusion

There are a number of excellent automatic ball launchers available to choose from. Whether you want something that is great all around, like the Crafts Central Automatic Dog Ball Launcher, or something a little different and more affordable, like the iLearn Kids 2 in 1 RC Baseball & Tennis Pitching Machine, there are options here that are sure to fit you and your dog, budget, and lifestyle.

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Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock