The 15 Best Dog Ball Launchers of 2023: Automatic and Manual

Dogs love to play fetch and, more specifically, ball fetch. You can opt to throw the balls by hand, but this requires you to bend when picking a ball. Also, it can mess up your hands if you hold wet or chewed balls.

With a dog ball launcher, you won't have to worry about any of this. You can pick the ball using them directly from the ground and make it easy to throw quite far. They are available in different types, though, so let's look at the best dog ball launchers to consider buying.

7 Best Dog Ball Launchers - Review

1. Best Overall: Hyper Pet K9 Kannon

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Varied
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 26.4 oz.

Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon is our best overall dog ball launcher because it is easy to use, offers variable distance launch, and is versatile.

The unit features a quick trigger for seamless ball launching and a comfortable grip for easy use. When your pup fetches, then brings back the ball, you can easily pick it up by placing the nuzzle over it.

An adjustable lever gives you variable distance launching. The further you pull it back, the more powerful the throw. You can play around with this to give your pooch the best exercise.

Two storage slots are built-in to accommodate two tennis balls. This comes in handy if you want to play fetch with more than one dog.

That said, the unit comes with a brightly-colored Hyper tennis ball but can accommodate any regular size tennis ball into its barrel. This makes it very versatile and one of the best tennis ball launchers for dogs.

Overall, this interactive dog toy is a great source of exercise and fun. The only problem is that it is not very compact (measures 24 x 7.38 x 3 inches). Therefore, carrying it to the park or beach can be a bit cumbersome.

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2. Best Budget: Chew King CM-0283-CS01

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Varied
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 10.23 oz.

The Chew King CM-0283-CS01 is a reasonably priced dog ball launcher that includes five rubber balls and a glow-in-the-dark ball. All are 2.5 inches in diameter.

A comfortable grip and variable distance launching give less elbow and shoulder stress as compared to throwing by hand. This makes the unit ideal for all people to use (men, women, elderly, and kids).

That said, throw adjustment is done via a knob at the back of the ball holder, and this is on a range of hard to soft. The hard-setting is ideal for long-distance throwing of light balls, while the soft-setting is for thrusting heavy balls at a short distance.

After use, you can place the launcher in the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning. The only issue is that the stick does not glow in the dark, which would have otherwise been a perfect match for the glowing ball when playing in the evening.

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3. Best Automatic: iFetch Too

• Type: Automatic
• Distance Settings: 10 - 25 - 40 ft.
• Item Weight: 197.6 oz.

If you want your pooch to keep itself busy when playing fetch, iFetch's Too is the best automatic ball launcher for dogs to consider buying.

The toy is powered by a rechargeable battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements. It works with standard tennis balls and comes with three 2.5-inch diameter non-abrasive balls.

You can launch them 10, 25, or 40 feet away at the touch of a button, but there is a random distance setting that keeps your dog guessing how far it will go to fetch. However, for safe indoor use, always use the 10-foot adjustment setting to prevent damages.

On the downside, the product will not perform optimally if your pet places extremely wet or dirty balls inside. Also, it is expensive but worth the money.

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4. Best Glow-In-The-Dark: ChuckIt! Pro Max Glow

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Varied
• Material: Plastic, Rubber
• Item Weight: 10.08 oz.

This ball launcher features a unique design that glows in the dark. In addition to this, you get a glowing rubber ball that is made using safe photoluminescent material. This makes it more fun to use in the evenings or at night. You can use it with standard tennis balls if you have more dogs to play with.

Aside from that, the unit measures 25 inches in length, and this extends your arm's reach so that you can pick up the rubber ball without bending over. It is ideal for outdoor use because the cup secures muddy and slimy balls, keeping your hands mess-free.

The launcher is made using durable plastic material and has an ergonomic rubber handle that gives you a good grip, whether wet or dry. However, the throwing distance is not adjustable.

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5. Best Folding: Chuckit! Fetch & Fold

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Varied
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 9.76 oz.

As the name suggests, Chuckit!'s Fetch & Fold has a folding design with a joint in the middle. This is very convenient because you can fit it in your purse or back pocket when going to the park or the beach.

When fully extended, the stick is 25 inches long and has a secure lock that slides over the joint to keep it from folding. This extends your arm's reach for bend-free ball pickups.

The unit fits medium-sized balls, and it includes one ball that has high-bounce and high-visibility properties. Also, it floats in water, so don't mind playing fetch in your pool.

However, the toy's throwing distance is not adjustable to keep your dog guessing on how far to go.

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6. Best Lightweight: Chuckit! Pro

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Varied
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 8.48 oz.

Weighing in at only 8.48 oz., Chuckit!'s Pro is the most lightweight dog ball launcher in this review. As such, it is easier to hold for long periods so that you can play fetch for as long as possible.

The product is very affordable but still includes a brightly colored medium ball. That said, it is compatible with standard tennis balls for daytime playing.

An ergonomic rubber grip gives you a comfortable hold of the launcher, while its 25-inch length extends your arm's reach to avoid bending when picking up the ball.

The only problem is that the launcher's throwing distance is not adjustable, which would be good to keep your dog guessing.

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7. Best Compact Blaster: Nerf Dog Original

• Type: Manual
• Distance Settings: Up to 50 ft.
• Material: ABS Plastic
• Item Weight: 24 oz.

Measuring 16 inches in length, Nerf Dog's Original is a compact gun-type blaster that you can easily carry to the beach or park.

Despite its size, the unit features an onboard storage slot for one dog ball and it includes a sonic ball. It works with standard tennis balls too, making it one of the best dog tennis ball launchers.

The unit has an adjustable handle that you can pull back to set the throwing distance. This thrusts them to a maximum of 50 feet away, which is quite far. You can play around with the handle to keep your dog guessing how far the ball will land.

A mess-free pickup design ensures you keep your hands clean by pushing the nuzzle on the wet or dirty ball on the ground. The only issue is that you don't get a glowing ball for nighttime use.

Other Recommended Dog Ball Launchers

8. Hyper Pet 48840EA

If you prefer the slingshot-style dog ball launcher, we recommend Hyper Pet's 48840EA . It is durably built using high-quality stainless steel and has an E-Z pickup system that offers quick and hands-free reloads.

The toy shoots as far as 220 feet away, making it is a great tool for exercise, training, and fun. Tension is stored in the straps, and therefore, the further you pull back, the stronger the launch. A tennis ball is inclusive.

Key Features

• High-quality stainless steel construction.
• Quick and hands-free reload.
• Shoots up to 220 feet away.
• One tennis ball.

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9. Franklin 90000XB

Franklin's 90000XB is characterized by a lightweight, flexible plastic stick design with a zigzag flex joint. This allows you to throw the ball effortlessly, while a comfortable ergonomic handle gives you a good grip when launching.

Three claws are built-in instead of a cup, and these grab the ball easily for hands-free pickup. That said, a tennis ball is included, and it has a built-in squeaker for making the fetch game more interesting for your pooch.

Key Features

• Lightweight flexible stick.
• Zigzag flexible joint.
• Comfortable ergonomic handle.
• One tennis ball with a squeaker.

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10. Franklin Sports 90038X

If you are in the market for an affordable automatic dog ball launcher, you should consider this product. It is powered using AC and comes with an adapter for this. There is the option of battery power, though, but you need to buy eight D-size alkaline batteries.

The unit is also very adjustable. You can set the launch angle too low, medium, or high, or adjust the throwing distance. A safety feature is built-in to alert your dog via sound when the ball is about to launch. This can be turned on or off to suit your preference.

Key Features

• Affordable automatic launcher.
• AC and battery power options.
• Adjustable launch angle and throw distance.
• Sound alert launch safety feature.

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11. Outward Hound Zipstick

As the name suggests, this launcher creates a fun zip sound that creates extra excitement for your pooch, which will make it zoom after the ball after launching. That said, the stick has a grippy handle and can throw up to three Woofie Ballz at a time, allowing you to play with many pups.

Two balls are inclusive, and you can launch these up to 100 feet in the air. These balls have through holes that allow your pooch to breathe easily with them in the mount, and they have a squishy texture that is fun to bite.

Key Features

• Creates a fun zip sound.
• Grippy handle.
• Throws up to three balls at a time.
• Two squishy balls.

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12. All For Paws VP7173

The VP7173 features a telescopic design that allows you to launch the ball up to three times further when compared to using your hand. This design also makes it very compact because it retracts down to a short length.

Two claws at the far end of the retractable stick enable you to pick up wet and dirty balls hands-free. You also get a thick, grippy handle and a super bouncy tennis ball.

Key Features

• Throws balls up to 3X far as compared to hands.
• Compact telescopic design.
• Thick, grippy handle.
• Super bouncy tennis ball.

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13. IDogmate IDM400

If you have a small dog breed or puppy, IDogmate's IDM400 is the ideal launcher to buy because it is designed to throw small 1.65 to 1.75-inch diameter balls. On top of this, it comes with three 1.75-inch balls.

The unit is powered either using AC or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that supports up to 250 launches when fully charged. That said, you get four launch distances at 10, 20, 25 & 35 feet, and there is a random setting to switch between these distances automatically.

Key Features

• Throws small 1.65 to 1.75-inch diameter balls.
• Three 1.75-inch balls.
• AC or battery power options.
• Four launch distances with a random setting.

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14. Petsafe ZTY00-15968

Petsafe's ZTY00-15968 is built with safety in mind. It has a front motion sensor that protects you and your pet from being hit if you are standing up to 7 feet in front of the launch area.

The toy also has a 15-minute rest period after 15 minutes of playing, which prevents over-exhaustion.

Nine distance settings and six angle settings keep your dog entertained & guessing how far to get the ball. Two standard size tennis balls are inclusive, but you can load up to three balls in the launcher at a time.

Key Features

• Front motion sensor.
• 15-minute resting period.
• Nine distance and six angle settings.
• Two standard-size tennis balls.

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15. AFP Automatic

This product comes as a complete set because it contains three standard-size tennis balls for playing with multiple dogs. It also includes an AC power adapter but can be powered using six C-batteries.

A tennis ball sensor is built-in, and it scans every ten seconds. If it detects a ball, it triggers the launch system to shoot it out. You also get adjustable shooting distance settings at 10, 20, or 30 feet.

Key Features

• Three standard size tennis balls.
• AC and battery power options.
• Built-in tennis ball sensor.
• Adjustable shooting distance.

How to Buy the Best Dog Ball Launchers

1. Automatic vs. Manual

An automatic dog ball launcher runs on batteries to throw the ball at a set distance, and this eliminates your input. It is a great choice if you want your pooch to entertain himself or herself. The perfect option to consider is iFetch's Too .

However, if you want to have one-on-one playtime with your dog, we recommend using a manual dog launcher. It requires you to throw the ball manually. This is done either by swinging the stick, pressing a trigger, or launching a slingshot.

2. Ball Size

Dog ball launchers come in different sizes that can work with small, medium, or large dogs. This is very important to consider because small dog breeds like chihuahuas won't enjoy fetching large balls. They can comfortably bite balls with a diameter smaller than 2.5 inches.

As for large dogs, they can easily swallow small balls, which is hazardous. If you have a big pooch, get a ball that is over 3 inches in diameter.

However, 2.5 to 3-inch balls are the ideal compromise because they can be used by small, medium, and large dogs. You also need a launcher like Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon to throw them.

3. Distance and Angle Settings

Part of playing fetch includes adjusting the throwing angle & distance. This will leave your pup guessing how far to retrieve the ball. Variable settings make it more random, and these are usually found in manual launchers.

However, automatic units like iFetch's Too feature a random setting that throws to any of the built-in preset distances. Whichever the case, we recommend this feature to make the game more interesting.

4. Indoor or Outdoor

For the best playing experience, get a ball launcher that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Remember that playing indoors requires short throwing-distances while playing outdoors requires the unit to handle wet and dirty balls.

5. Ease of Use

Automatic dog ball launchers are easy for you to use but require your pet to learn where to return the ball after fetching. On the other hand, slingshot and stick launchers require some effort to throw the ball far out.

The ideal compromise is the gun launcher, which has a tension adjustment handle for determining how far to throw the ball. This requires less effort to use as compared to a slingshot type and is easy for your dog. If you want such, be sure to check out Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon .

Q&A

1. Are Ball Launchers Bad for Dogs?

Playing fetch using a ball launcher is safe for dogs, but it should not be overdone. Consult your vet to find out how much exercise is enough for your pet. If you overdo it, excessive running can cause unnecessary strain to its muscles, joints, and cartilage.

2. Do Dog Ball Launchers Require Special Balls?

No, but they require different ball sizes. Medium-size launchers fit 2.5 to 3-inch balls, which is the size of standard tennis balls (slightly over 2.5 inches in diameter). Large units require above 3-inch diameter tennis balls. You should check the user manual to determine its compatibility.

Read More: The Best Dog Balls

3. How does an Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Work?

It incorporates the use of a hopper that shoots at various speeds, depending on the set distance. Your dog only has to learn to fetch the ball, then drop it into the hopper, and that's it.

Buy on Etsy

AFP Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Interactive Puppy Pet Ball Indoor Thrower Machine for - Walmart Link

ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher - Walmart Link

IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher, Automatic Rechargeable Tennis Ball Thrower Machine - Walmart Link

Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy - Authentic - Walmart Link

Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy Blue/Orange, 16 Inch Compact Blaster with 1 Ball - Walmart Link

All for Paws Interactive Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs, Dog Tennis Ball Throwing - Walmart Link

Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon - Walmart Link

The Chew King CM-0283-CS01 - Walmart Link

Chuckit!'s Fetch & Fold - Walmart Link

the ChuckIt! Pro Max Glow - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

AFP Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Interactive Puppy Pet Ball Indoor Thrower Machine for - eBay Link

ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher - eBay Link

IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher, Automatic Rechargeable Tennis Ball Thrower Machine - eBay Link

Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy - Authentic - eBay Link

Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy Blue/Orange, 16 Inch Compact Blaster with 1 Ball - eBay Link

All for Paws Interactive Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs, Dog Tennis Ball Throwing - eBay Link

Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon - eBay Link

The Chew King CM-0283-CS01 - eBay Link

Chuckit!'s Fetch & Fold - eBay Link

the ChuckIt! Pro Max Glow - eBay Link

Conclusion

As we conclude, Hyper Pet's K9 Kannon is the best of the best dog ball launchers because it is versatile enough to work with regular tennis balls and includes a brightly colored ball. The unit is also easy to use, offers variable distance throwing, and has two ball storage slots.

For playing fetch at night, we recommend the ChuckIt! Pro Max Glow , which glows on its 25-inch length. The piece also comes with a glowing rubber ball.

If you want an automatic unit, though, iFetch's Too is worth checking out because it runs on rechargeable batteries and has three launch distances, with a random setting.