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Playing fetch is a great way to spend quality time with your dog. But even the most active pet parent can get worn out from all that bending and ball tossing. Plus, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to satisfy a fetch-loving pup. If that’s you, no sweat (literally). Automatic ball throwers and fetch machines can help.
Automatic ball launchers help keep your pup stimulated while saving your shoulder, and some can even enable your dog to play fetch solo. They come in a range of styles, from indoor-friendly rollers to powerful outdoor launchers. There are models with timers for all-stars who need reminders to take breaks, mini models for the little ones, and human-powered rocket launchers that come in handy if you have kids who need to burn some energy too.
We’ve rounded up our favorite automatic fetch machines so you can find the right fit for your fetch-loving friend.
- Best for Large Breeds: Franklin Pet Supply Ball Launcher
- Best for Small Breeds: iFetch Mini Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best for Indoor Use: iFetch Frenzy Brain Teaser Game
- Best for Customizability: iDogmate Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
- Best for Solo Play: GoDogGo Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best for Safety: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
- Best Budget Pick: Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster for Dogs
- Best for Long Distances: Hyper Pet K9 Kannon Fetch Machine
Best for Large Breeds: Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Ball Launcher
Get your big buddy to “ready, set, fetch!” This automatic thrower offers three angles that can launch balls up to 40 feet. Raised off the ground and designed with a wide plastic hopper on top, this machine makes it easy for larger dogs to return the ball and load it into the feeder themselves.
An optional safety alert buzzer lets your dog know when the ball is about to launch, building their anticipation before they sprint off to retrieve it. Though this alert can be turned off, some reviewers say the machine overall is quite loud and not suitable for sound-sensitive pups.
Key Features:
- The large open loader is great for big dogs
- Fits standard tennis balls (comes with one ball)
- Includes safety alert buzzer that can be turned on or off
- Offers three angles and launches balls one at a time, up to 40 feet
Best for Small Breeds: iFetch Mini Automatic Fetch Machine (Verified Review)
Run by a family business in Austin, Texas, iFetch offers a variety of automatic ball throwers for different types of dogs. The iFetch Mini, for example, is made specifically for smaller dogs and comes with three mini tennis balls that measure 1.6 inches in diameter. With the touch of a button, the automatic fetch machine can launch the balls at three distances: 10, 20, or 30 feet—just drop the ball in the slot or train your pup to do it on their own.
For larger dogs, there’s also the original iFetch Too, which uses standard-sized tennis balls. Our testers liked that the instructions were easy to follow and that the launcher provided a practical and efficient way to exercise their energetic Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Key Features:
- Made for small dogs
- Includes three mini tennis balls
- Launches balls at 10, 20, or 30 feet
- Can be plugged into an outlet or powered by batteries
Best for Indoor Use: iFetch Frenzy Brain Teaser Game for Dogs
Another option by iFetch, this automatic ball machine puts a fun spin on the classic design. Instead of launching the balls, the iFetch Frenzy randomly rolls them out via one of three chutes at the base. Because the rolling distance has a shorter range of 6 to 12 feet, this machine is great for indoor use and more compact spaces. It’s also quiet since it doesn’t have a motor, making it ideal for pet parents who work from home or have noise-sensitive pups.
Best for small to medium breeds, this interactive game includes three mini tennis balls that measure up to 1.5 inches in diameter. A storage compartment at the bottom keeps the balls in place when not in use.
Key Features:
- Offers a fun rolling design that’s great for indoor use
- Three chutes roll the mini balls up to 12 feet
- Ideal for small to medium breeds
- No motor makes it a smart choice for sound-sensitive pups
Best for Customizability: iDogmate Automatic Dog Ball Launcher with Remote
Equipped with a customizable remote, this automatic fetch machine offers quite a few programmable settings that let you adjust both the distance and speed. There’s even a unique “random” feature to keep both you and your pup on your toes.
Arced wheels inside prevent wet or slobbery balls from getting stuck, and a rest feature builds in a 15-minute break per hour—great if you have a super fetcher on your hands. It comes in two sizes: the small iDogmate can launch 1.5-inch mini balls, and the large can launch standard 2.5-inch tennis balls.
Reviewers like that the ball launcher stays charged for a long time when running on the provided batteries (an AC adapter is also included) and note that the remote can be a little confusing to understand in the beginning. But if you have the patience and extra budget, this clever machine can be a great investment for fetch enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Customization offers various distance and speed settings
- Comes in a small or large size
- Arced mechanics inside keep wet balls from getting stuck
- Rechargeable batteries support up to 1000 launches per charge
Best for Solo Play: GoDogGo Automatic Fetch Machine and Ball Launcher for Dogs (Verified Review)
This automatic ball thrower is like a pitching machine—but for your dog. Simply load the balls, then launch them automatically with a 4-, 7-, or 15-second timer. Holding between 17 to 23 balls at a time, this automatic launcher is great for solo play, especially for dogs who haven’t learned how to return the balls on their own.
On its highest setting, this fetch machine can catapult a ball more than 50 feet away. There are lower settings, however, that are more backyard-friendly (as Rover test pup Merlot demonstrates below).
We found the machine easy to use and appreciated the built-in rechargeable lithium battery—though you can also use it with the included AC adapter if you have a power outlet in your outdoor play area. The wide-mouth bucket makes it easy for your dog to return the balls, and a safety arc helps keep your dog out of the direct line of fire.
Key Features:
- Multiple settings allow for a variety of launch distances
- The remote can be used from up to 50 feet away
- Safety arc keeps dogs out of direct launch pattern
- Includes five GoDogGo dog tennis balls
- Can hold between 17 to 23 balls at a time
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Best for Safety: PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
This PetSafe automatic ball thrower prioritizes safety with its design, which includes multiple sensors to help keep your dog out of harm’s way. There’s even a front motion sensor that will prevent the ball from launching when it detects both pets and people standing within 7 feet. To make sure your dog takes breaks, this automatic fetch machine also features a 15-minute rest interval after every 30 minutes of play.
Equipped for both indoor and outdoor use, this device is chargeable and has nine distance settings and six angle settings—launching balls up to 30 feet. Though the automatic fetch machine works best with standard-size tennis balls, it can also be used with smaller balls.
Key Features:
- Motion sensor prevents launch when your pup is within 7 feet
- Automatic sleep mode kicks in after 30 minutes of playtime
- Audible tones alert your dog when the ball will launch
- Chargeable via a power cord or batteries
Best Budget Pick: Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster for Dogs
Nerf toys aren’t just for kids. This tennis ball blaster is ideal for pups on the go since it can easily be packed up and taken to the park. And the best part? It’s not only one of the highest-rated options on our list but also the most budget-friendly. Plus, it makes things easy on the human end. If you place the barrel directly over the ball, it’ll pick it up for you.
Compatible with regular-sized tennis balls, this handheld launcher comes in three sizes and can hurl balls up to 50 feet in the air, though some reviewers have noted that the distance is much shorter than that. While not ideal for anxious pups, since the launch sound can be quite loud, pet parents like how easy and lightweight it is to use. Since it requires you to manually launch the balls, it isn’t intended for independent play. But it is a great way to get your pup moving with minimal impact on your body.
Key Features:
- Highly rated, budget-friendly launcher
- Comes with a safety release mechanism
- Weighs only two pounds, making it easy to transport to the park
- Works with any standard tennis balls
- Holds one ball at a time
Best for Long Distances: Hyper Pet K9 Kannon Fetch Machine (Verified Review)
Another handheld launcher, this fetch machine can hurl balls up to a whopping 60 feet. To adjust the distance, simply pull back the lever—the more you pull back, the farther the tennis ball will blast. Available in two sizes, this handheld thrower also launches one ball at a time but includes storage at the bottom for two extra balls.
While pups seem to love this handheld blaster, pet parents are less impressed with the durability. Using a thick rubber band to launch the balls, this ball thrower is more likely to wear down than other fetch machines on our list. The affordable price point, however, makes it easy to replace if it’s your dog’s favorite toy.
Key Features:
- Launches balls up to 60 feet
- An adjustable lever allows you to determine the launch distance
- Hands-free ball pick-up
- Weighs only 1.65 pounds
How We Chose
The automatic ball throwers and fetch machines featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized ease of use, safety, distance, options for customization, and compatibility with multiple ball sizes. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
