As pickleball grows in popularity, noise complaints have become a common issue. But how loud is pickleball compared to tennis?

Pickleball is louder than tennis due to its hard paddles and plastic ball, creating a sharper, more repetitive impact noise.

Let’s explore how pickleball’s sound compares to tennis and how far the noise travels.

What Is Louder, Pickleball or Tennis?

Both sports produce noise, but their sound characteristics differ.

Pickleball is louder than tennis because the paddle and plastic ball create a [high-frequency “pop” sound](https://www.ipop.fun/blogs/news/why-is-pickleball-so-noisy-a-deep-dive-into-the-sounds-of-the-game[^2], while tennis produces a lower-frequency thud.

Comparing Pickleball and Tennis Noise Levels

Factor	Pickleball	Tennis
Sound Type	High-pitched “pop”	Lower, muted thud
Decibel Level	70-85 dB1	40-65 dB
Frequency	Higher, more frequent	Lower, less frequent

The repetitive nature of pickleball rallies also increases perceived noise compared to the slower pace of tennis.

Is Pickleball Loud for Neighbors?

As pickleball courts pop up in residential areas, neighbors frequently raise noise complaints.

Pickleball noise can be disruptive to neighbors, especially when courts are close to homes and games continue for long hours.

Why Pickleball Noise Affects Neighbors

• Higher Frequencies Travel Farther – The sharp “pop” carries more than a tennis ball’s thud.
• Frequent Play – Games last longer, with constant rallies.
• Multiple Courts Increase Noise – Several courts together amplify the sound.

To reduce noise impact, some communities install sound barriers or use quieter paddles and balls.

Is Pickleball a Noisy Sport?

Noise perception depends on volume, frequency, and repetition.

Pickleball is considered a noisy sport due to the hard composite paddles² that amplify sound, the plastic ball’s impact, and frequent player chatter.

Factors That Make Pickleball Noisy

Factor	Impact on Noise
Paddle Material	Hard composite paddle amplify sound.
Ball Type	Plastic ball creates a sharp, loud impact.
Court Setup	Multiple courts in one area increase overall noise.

Communities are exploring noise-reduction strategies, including designated playing hours and sound-dampening fences.

How Far Away Can You Hear Pickleball?

One of the biggest complaints is how far pickleball noise travels.

Pickleball noise can be heard up to 500 feet away, with some reports of sound carrying over 1,000 feet in quiet neighborhoods.

How Distance Affects Pickleball Noise

Distance	Noise Level Perceived
100 feet	Loud and distinct
300 feet	Noticeable but less sharp
500 feet	Faint background noise
1,000 feet	Barely audible in urban areas

Barriers, trees, and buildings can help block or absorb some of the sound.

Conclusion

Pickleball is louder than tennis, and its sharp, repetitive sound can travel far, causing issues in residential areas. Solutions like noise-reducing paddles³, court barriers, and sound-dampening fences⁴ can help balance the sport’s growth with community concerns.