Best Dog Ball Launchers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Ana 
Are you looking for a fun way to completely revamp the game of fetch for you and your dog? Automatic dog ball launchers are the perfect way to challenge your dog at the park and encourage him to run faster and farther. These automatic dog ball launchers will enhance your throwing speed and distance with minimal effort, making them the perfect bonding tool for you and your pet.
When looking for the right dog ball launcher, it is essential you know which ones are on the market so you can find the one best suited for you and your pet. We have compiled a list for you of the top ten best dog ball launchers, and we have also included relevant information about each of the products on our list to help with your selection. Keep reading to see which are the top ten.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 15 hrs of research
Reduces bending to pick up balls
Makes your throws longer and faster
Any standard tennis ball will work
Cupped end securely grasps the ball
10 Best Dog Ball Launchers
1. Chuckit! Sport Launcher
Reduces bending to pick up balls
Makes your throws longer and faster
Any standard tennis ball will work
Cupped end securely grasps the ball
No indoor use
Standard tennis balls only
The Chuckit! Sport Launcher is perfect for backyard use, and its unique technology allows you to throw the ball over and over again. Impressively measuring at 26 inches in length, this product is designed for hands-free pickup.
Portable Features
Portable enough to place in your trunk or back seat, and it can even be enjoyed on sand and grass.
Other Products Included
The Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower comes with a brightly colored tennis ball that bounces very high and allows is also highly visible to pets and their pet parents.
Cost and Value
The dog ball thrower is available for a very fair price despite all it offers. It’s compatible with all standard tennis balls and can even be used as a dog pool toy.
2. iFetch Interactive
Settings ensure the dog isn’t hit
Launches immediately and easily
Lasting rechargeable battery
Can be played with indoors
Will turn off if no ball detected
Difficulty launching balls with puncture holes
The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs offers an on-demand toy that keeps the playtime for your dog coming. Helping to strengthen the sacred bond between you and your furry friend, this product promises non-stop fun.
Advanced Features
The adjustable distance of the product goes from 10 feet, 25 feet, 40 feet, or random. The random feature will keep your dog guessing and allow for some outdoor fun.
Battery
To allow for plenty of playtimes with your pet, the iFetch product features an internal rechargeable battery and the ability to alter the distance settings via pressing a button.
Cost and Value
IFetch Interactive is on the market now for an affordable price. You don’t want to miss out on this award-winning automatic ball launcher for your pet.
3. Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster
No need to pick up slobbery balls
Compatible with any standard-sized tennis ball
Brings energy and excitement for your dog
Safe to control product
The trigger may be hard to pull with the forefinger
Intended for standard tennis ball use only
This dog ball thrower has the ability to launch tennis balls up to 50 feet in the air, making for some high-intensity fun with you and your dog. It also has a simple reload feature to allow for hours of fetching time.
Ease of Use
The dog ball launcher is simple to operate, as you simply pull back on the handle, load in the ball, and shoot. Reloading is hands-free and easy, and 4 balls are included.
Adjustable Power
The distance of your throw can be changed, and the product has been designed so your shots will be able to adapt to any environment you throw the ball in.
Cost and Value
This dog toy ball launcher is on the market for an affordable price. Its blaster’s mechanism is safe for use. There is no risk of being exposed to moving parts.
4. Hyper Pet K9 Kannon
Keeps game of fetch going
Tennis balls are highly visible
Plenty of outdoor use
Adjustable power dial
A dog may need to adjust to the launcher
Instructions must be read carefully
This automatic dog ball thrower is ideal for all sorts of activities with your dog, such as training, exercise, and overall fitness. Without having to worry about straining your arm, this product will launch tennis balls straight up into the air for you.
Convenient Technology
Features an adjustable power dial to help determine the amount of force you want to use. The innovative design also allows for a hands-free tennis ball pick-up. No slobbery balls!
Simple Preparation
To launch your tennis ball, all you do is place the barrel over the ball and push down to pick the ball up. For convenience, it includes extra storage space.
Cost and Value
The dog ball launcher has been fairly priced and is available for purchase. You do not want to miss out on this innovative and lightweight bit of technology for your furry friend.
5. PetSafe
Convenient motion sensor feature
Distance settings adjustable
Can be used 6 D-cell batteries
Features a useful carrying handle
The strong jolt when ball launches
The proximity sensor can prevent ball launching
This tool not only offers you a fun toy, but it is designed to guarantee your safety as well. Its front motion sensor protects anyone standing 7 feet in front of it, not allowing playtime to be interrupted by injuries.
Throwing Distance
The throwing distance for this dog ball launcher is between 8-30 feet, and it has 9 distance settings and 6 angle settings. The distance knob feature can easily adjust the launcher’s range.
Technological Features
The audible tones alert feature will inform you when the ball is detected and will launch so you can remain safe. It reinforces safety loading balls into the side pocket.
Cost and Value
The automatic ball launcher is on the market for a fair price. It can be used indoors and outdoors to entertain your dog and it can accommodate standard and smaller tennis balls.
6. AFP interactives
A dog can play fetch without you present
Simple to turn on and use
Includes a tennis ball sensor
Features different distance settings
Only one ball at a time
The AFP interactives Maxi Hyper Fetch has 38 x 28 cm dimensions. It is the ultimate throwing toy, and it is sure to keep your dog interested in the game of fetch. The dog can even play without you there.
Ease of Use
Simply push the power button for three seconds to turn it on. Then all you have to do is insert the balls into the basket on the Hyper Fetch Mini.
Adjustable Distance
The distance can be selected, and you can adjust it to reach 10 feet, 20 feet, or even 30 feet. The Hyper Fetch Mini throws a ball every 10 seconds.
Cost and Value
The dog ball launcher has been priced fairly, and you do not want to miss your chance to buy such a useful, innovative technology that is designed to help you exercise your dog.
7. Franklin Pet Supply
Easy to use
Great for people with injuries
Lightweight plastic construction
Throws ball further
May not go the distance others do
Here we have another traditional looking ball thrower for your dog. Franklin Pet Supply has made playing with Fido an accessible and enjoyable task with their launcher.
Great for Injuries
Some folks might find dog ball launchers such as this one from Franklin Pet Supply to be painful for their shoulders. Thankfully the company has taken this into account in the construction of this launcher. Because it's so easy to use, you should find that it doesn't aggravate any of your standing shoulder injuries. You will also not need to bend over to pick up the ball, saving your back in the process.
Durable Construction
If you're looking for a launcher to last you and Fido a long while, look no further. This option is made from high-quality materials that will ensure durability. The company also equips it with a comfort grip handle to help make playing with your dog an easier and more comfortable task for you.
Cost and Value
This automatic dog ball launcher is priced very affordably when compared with other options on our list. It's the no-brainer pick for any dog owner who has injuries but still wants to be able to play with their pooch.
8. IDOGMATE
Easy to recharge the battery
Adjustable distance settings
Machine built for hours of fun
Remote control, indoor, or outdoor use
Takes 5-10 seconds for the ball to launch
Balls typically need to be 2.5” to work
Launching balls at 10 feet, 20 feet, or even 40 feet, this machine features a random setting to help keep your dog guessing. The iDogmate Midi balls are 2.5 inches in diameter and are non-abrasive on your dog’s teeth.
Battery Life
Runs on the included AC adapter or included rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The batteries have an automatic mode of power and a 90-degree adapter connector against any sort of sudden pulls.
Funnel Feature
The big funnel in 240 mm makes it convenient for your dog to put the ball onto it without fear so they can continue to enjoy the game of fetch.
Cost and Value
It is available for an affordable price despite all of its features. Its arced wheels prevent slobbery balls from becoming stuck in the machine and encourage a long shooting distance.
9. DotPet
Operated by batteries or AC adapter
Features a treat dispensing machine
Great training tool for your pet
Easy to use indoors or outdoors
Requires six 1.5V CR14 batteries
Batteries are not included
This automatic dog ball launcher comes with an added treat dispenser feature to feed your dog. It also has 3 distance settings of 3 meters, 6 meters, and 8 meters.
Multiple Uses
This machine is so convenient that you can use it not only outdoors, but indoors as well. The stylish design is also likely to blend nicely with your home decor.
Training Tool
The treat dispenser feature offers a way to reward your pet to encourage them to put the ball back into the top funnel after they have retrieved the ball.
Cost and Value
The cost is not expensive at all, and for such a well-priced item, it has a lot to offer. The automatic dog ball thrower includes 3 shooting balls that are 50mm in size.
10. Dporticus Automatic
Includes a remote control
Fun exercise tool for your dog
Dog can even play without you
Includes three pet-safe tennis balls
Batteries are not included
Balls may be a bit small
A highly useful training tool, this advanced machine can enhance the dog’s picking ability and facilitate high-levels of fun for the dog. Its labor-saving content means there’s no need to throw anything, and it also has three adjustable distance settings.
Automatic Launch
Once the machine has been inserted, the dog puts the ball into the machine entrance which then starts automatically. This means the dog can also play alone and without you.
Convenient Storage
The machine does not take up too much space. It is lightweight and easy to carry, and it is simple to carry it around. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Cost and Value
Despite its many advanced features, the price is inexpensive, and you do not want to pass up this useful piece of machinery. It also comes with an automatic ball launcher.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Adjustability
It will work out better for you if you purchase one of the automatic dog ball launchers that will guarantee you a level of adjustability. More than just a fun way to bond with your dog as you train and exercise them, the machine you buy should be able to keep the good times coming for hours, leaving you and your dog with plenty of playtimes. Not only are you probably looking to buy one of these dog toy ball launchers in order to exercise your pet and encourage activity within them, but you will want to make sure the time you spend playing fetch with your pet does not run the risk of becoming mundane.
If you know you plan to spend hours playing a game of fetch with the aid of a machine, then you will want to be certain your dog does not have the ability to start predicting the pattern of the ball when it is thrown. The convenience of these machines is you do not have to throw the ball yourself, and the dog will not have time to adjust to the patterns of your throwing arm, nor will he be able to predict the machines. Most of the products on our list have an adjustable distance setting, allowing the ball to be thrown at 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, or you can even adjust it to the random setting for extra fun with your dog. This will prevent your dog from tiring of the game and allow the game of fetch to continue.
Durability
Since it is likely that you will be using one of our automatic dog ball launchers more than once, you will want to ensure the product you have purchased can withstand multiple uses. You will be needing a toy that not only provides you with a fun way to spend time with your dog, but it will need to be of durable quality in order to provide you with continuous uses. Whether you’re planning to take the device out into the backyard or to the park for some fun quality time with your pet, you will be needing a machine that will not fall apart on you after one use.
The automatic dog ball throwers from our list that you buy need to be able to run for a few hours during playtime. Be sure to research whether or not the product you end up buying is usually good to go for a few hours once you and your dog have begun to play. Some machines may run on rechargeable batteries, which is perfectly okay, but for your sake, you will need to research if the batteries are included or not. This will tell you if you can begin using the product right away, or if you must wait for a while until you have the necessary supplies.
Effectiveness
How well the automatic dog ball launcher performs its job will heavily determine its effectiveness. You must be careful when selecting a product, as you do not want it to only meet your needs, but the needs of your pet as well. Always make sure you are purchasing a toy for your dog that is uniquely fun and something they are comfortable having around them. Since you will likely be using your dog toy ball launcher quite often for playing fetch and bonding with your dog, you will want to make it easy on yourself by making sure any whirring noises the machine may make do not frighten your dog.
Have your pet spend some time with the machine in order to acclimate themselves with it, as the purpose of buying it is to ensure your pet’s comfort as they exercise. If the product includes non-abrasive tennis balls that do not damage your dog’s teeth in any way, then that is a nice addition. But the most important thing in relation to the dog ball launcher's effectiveness is not only how well it works, but how comfortable your pet is with it.
Portability
Each of the dog toy ball launchers on our list is lightweight and easy to transport from place to place. It’s much more beneficial to you this way if the product is easy to carry around, as this will prevent you from limiting your purchase to your backyard due to an inability to carry it. Instead of wondering how you’re going to take your dog ball launcher from place to place, many of the items on our list can easily be picked up or placed in the trunk of your car for transport.
But the most important aspect of your product’s portability is how well it can maintain its effectiveness while situated on other surfaces. There are dog ball throwers on our list that can be used on grassy fields and sandy beaches, allowing for hours of fun with your dog in a different environment than just your backyard.
Since you will be needing one of our products in order to spend some quality time with your dog, you will be needing a dog ball launcher that can suit your needs the best. Taking your dog to a different location for a fun game of fetch should not be burdensome, and the portability of the product should be simple in order to allow for maximum enjoyment of it.
Style
While features such as the effectiveness and the portability of your dog ball launcher are indeed important, let us not underestimate the crucial element of style. Most of the products on our list come in a variety of colors, and they are not all one design. You will be wanting a style for your automatic dog ball thrower that does not frighten your dog and is one he can easily adapt to and be comfortable around. You can choose from a variety of different designs, but make sure none of them frighten your little pooch, as this will interfere with your playtime.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Adjustability Durability Effectiveness Portability Style
The quality of your automatic dog ball launcher must be stable, as it must be able to continuously provide you and your pet with joyful bouts of exercise. You do not want the machine to suddenly fall apart and stop working while you are in the middle of a game of fetch with your dog, nor do you want it to stop working after only a few uses. The one you buy should not only be an effective training tool for your dog, but it should be able to withstand your routine and provide you and your pet with plenty of recreational time.
To receive the most positive experience possible from this product, please take care that you are using the standard sized tennis balls that some of the items on this list may require. Tennis balls that are of a rubber material or have been worn away by the dog’s teeth may not be compatible with the machine through no fault of the technology. It just may be difficult for the product to be able to throw balls of such quality and to prevent any frustration, you should try to be mindful of this when it comes to making your selection.
If you enjoy traveling from place to place with your dog when it comes to playing fetch in order for the two of you to bond over a little change of scenery, then you may consider buying one of the dog toy ball launchers that can be situated on a grassy plain or on shifty grains of sand. There is no question that it is fun to explore different environments with your dog, and your pooch will certainly enjoy a game of fetch on some new and exciting terrain. See what kind of portability your dog ball launcher has in order to achieve the best possible results when searching for the best locations where you and your dog can play fetch.
Setting up the product should be a task that is stress-free and simple. You should not have to devote hours of your energy to pouring over complicated instructions and scratching your head over how to set up the machine. That is the time you could otherwise have spent playing with your dog, and you do not want to waste it on set up a time when such a task should be simple.
By consulting the launchers described on our list, be sure to note the instructions for each of them on how to set them up. For most of the items we have featured, all it takes is plugging it in or inserting the batteries before you simply hold the power button down to begin playing with your pet. Turning it off when playtime is over should be a simple task as well, and take care to note the instructions for this. This should not be too hard, as most of what we have listed above merely requires the press of a button to cease playtime once you have finished exercising with your dog.
Other Factors to Consider
Materials
It is crucial you pay particular attention to the materials of the automatic dog ball launcher that you opt to buy, as you will be wanting to know what your purchase comes with and what sort of enjoyment you will be able to garner from it. For those who know with absolute certainty that they plan to engage in plenty of healthy doses of exercise with their furry little friend, then a product that comes with its own tennis balls and treat dispensers will probably work best for you. This will save you the time from having to buy the standard sized tennis balls you will be needing for your launcher, and it will also provide you with an ample motivational factor for your pet to encourage them to continue exercising by playing fetch.
The treats can be dispensed after your dog returns the fetched ball to the machine, encouraging them to keep coming back and playing in order to achieve more of their reward. Dog toy ball launchers that carry this feature are quite convenient, as without you having to lift a finger, your dog will continue to exercise in exchange for a tasty little treat. Be sure to browse and see which of the products we’ve included on our list will offer you this feature. If not, take care to note this does not lessen their value, as there is plenty of merchandise we have included in our top ten list that has all been designed to cater to certain individual needs.
Ease of Use
How simple it is to utilize your pet-friendly merchandise will factor heavily into your enjoyment of your selection. You will want to be certain that the device you buy is either easy to plug-in or insert batteries into, and that the way to start it once the initial set up is complete does not require you to follow overly complicated instructions. Fortunately, the dog ball launchers on our list have been designed with a stress-free set up in mind, as the goal is to make each bit of merchandise as easy to use as possible.
The lightweight nature of most of our featured products makes it a simple task to just casually relocate to a new environment to play fetch by picking them up and carrying them or sliding them easily into the trunk of your car. You are probably planning to play fetch with your dog at more than just one location, and you are probably looking to play with your dog at the park or at the beach. This is why it is essential to ensure the selection you ultimately decide to make can meet this need and can be used easily by you.
Size
The size of the launcher depends on which one you decide to buy, of course, and you will want to be certain of just how much space it is going to take up. Some of the items listed are around 38 x 28 cm in dimensions, for example, so you will want to do a bit of research to see if your home or your car has enough space to accommodate your selection. You will also want to be mindful of how big your yard is if you plan to play fetch with your dog there, as you will need to assess how much room the launcher takes up in your backyard and how much room this will leave your pet to run around. If you know you have a bit of a smaller yard, then you will want to be certain that the item you buy is not too big, as to not take up too much room if your backyard is where you plan to spend most of your time playing fetch with your dog.
While the machine that is going to be the best possible fit for you is entirely your decision based on what you have assessed will be able to meet your needs best, you will be wanting one of our automatic dog ball launchers that is the perfect size and is built to last. Size is a crucial element, as the wrong one can hinder your ability to enjoy the product with your dog. Carefully consider where you plan to utilize your purchase and if you have enough space in order to ensure the best possible experience for yourself.
Brand
The brand can play a vital role in your selection. A few of the items we have listed are from fairly popular and well-known brands, and this can help to establish trust between the product and the consumer who buys it. Especially if the brand is a household name, this can help you feel certain in the idea that you have chosen a safe option and be assured that the item you have purchased will work quite well for you once it comes time for you to use it. Knowing the brand will help you to be certain that what you have chosen to buy is of high-quality and has been specifically tailored for you with all of your needs in mind.
That is not to say that smaller brands are not as good, and you can feel confident that anything you purchase from a lesser-known brand is likely to still be just as good. Just because a particular brand does not have as much recognition as the other more well-known ones does not diminish its value. In fact, there are plenty of items on our list that have been created by companies whose names may not be as widely recognized, but the items they sell are still of a fine quality you may want to still consider and not pass up.
In order to spot these hidden, lesser-known gems, be sure that you pay close attention to each of the reviews included with each of the automatic dog ball launchers we have on our list as you are doing your research to find one that is the best fit for you. Each of these reviews may hold valuable insight into the item you are looking to purchase and may help to bring an end to your contemplation as you find the one that will suit you the best.
Comfort
The lightweight nature of each of the dog ball launchers we have on our list means carrying them around for either a short or long amount of time should not cause you too much strain. But be sure to secure your own comfort with your purchase by ensuring the one you buy is indeed made of lightweight material that makes it easy to carry if you know you plan to carry it around more than once. But be sure to take care just how often you do plan to carry the launcher around, whether that be to the park or to the beach, as this will heavily impact how much your comfort must play a factor.
But the most essential aspect of the comfort feature involves your pet, and their needs must be taken into consideration. If one of the items from our list you have purchased comes with standard sized tennis balls, then it is crucial you assess how these may impact your dog. The material must be non-abrasive and the ball should be able to fit relatively easy into your dog’s mouth. You do not want the teeth of your dog to become damaged, and if the tennis balls are indeed abrasive, then the more you play with them, the more you run the risk of hurting your dog’s teeth. Many of the items we have featured on our list include non-abrasive tennis balls, but you will want to do a little research just to be absolutely certain.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do I know which dog ball thrower is the best for my dog?
That depends on each individual dog. Some sizes will work better for medium breeds, while others are designed to accommodate smaller ones. You will also want to consider the launch distance. If you plan to play outside and launch the ball as far as possible, then consider which item on our list will give you allow you the best launch distance.
q: Are these safe for my dog to play with?
Yes. To be extra cautious, teach your dog to stand behind or to the side of the automatic dog ball thrower when it launches.
q: Can bigger dogs play with it?
Yes. Each of the items on our list is meant to accommodate dogs of different sizes. Be sure to browse our list and see which option will benefit medium or large dogs.
q: Is my dog’s slobber a problem?
Slobber is normal, but you may need to clean the balls from time to time. The saliva may interfere with the workings of the machine, but a good, quick cleaning will prevent that from happening.
q: What comes with my purchase aside from the dog ball launcher?
Some of the items on our list will come with three tennis balls, and some may even feature an adapter. However, most items will not have batteries included with their purchase.
