Having an active dog that always wants to play is both, adorable and exhausting. If you own a dog that’s hyper-active and always looking to play, you can relate to this problem. It can get very irritating sometimes.
Looking on the brighter side, if you want a fun alternative to playing fetch and promoting an active lifestyle for your dogs – automatic ball launchers are the perfect solution for you and your dog.
Aside from fitness, automatic ball launchers also enable beneficial mind stimulation, training, and independence in your dogs. And let’s not forget one of the main selling points: they are actually incredibly fun!
Automatic dog ball thrower work by placing a ball (usually a tennis ball) into the opening of the device which then launches the ball anywhere from 10 to 30 feet. Most of the launchers can adjust the distance of the throw so that they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Today we will be breaking down the available options for you and helping you choose a model that fits perfectly to your needs. Without a further ado, lets get down to it:
The Best Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs Reviewed
| Editor’s Award | Brand |
| Our Top Pick | iFetch Too |
| Alternative Top Pick | IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher |
| Most Innovative Ball Launcher | PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher |
| Best Budget Option | Playball |
| Multiple Ball Loading Option | GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 |
Our Top Pick: iFetch Too
Our Top Pick
This ball launcher is the perfect choice among the available options. This model by iFetch is a fully automatic ball launcher for dogs. It lets dogs to play fetch to their heart’s content.
This model can launch a standard sized tennis ball 10, 25, or 40 feet all with the touch of a button. It also offers a random distance feature to mix things up for your dog. A pretty neat trick!
This model offers rechargeable battery. You do not need to purchase batteries ever again. This makes it a very convenient option for longer periods of use.
The package comes with 3 standard sized tennis balls. Other balls with similar size can also be used.
The launcher has a safety feature to lock the distance on 10 feet with just a button. This enables the product to be used in enclosed spaces/indoors
What We Like:
- Easy to operate | The launcher is very easy to operate. It is fully automatic. Includes buttons to operate the device with comfort and ease.
- Rechargeable battery | The automatic ball launcher comes with a rechargeable battery. This means you do not need to purchase after-market batteries every now and then. Simply recharge the built-in battery and you’re good to go.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Alternative Top Pick: IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher
Alternative Top Pick
IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher
This automatic ball launcher is also an extremely popular pick, due to its good features and premium build quality. This device is capable to launch a ball 10, 20, 30, 35 feet. It is very easy to switch between these 4 distances. It also offers a variable setting to keep your dog guessing.
This model runs on AC adapter or Li-ion battery (included) which supports 250 launches when completely charged.
It has a larger hopper 4.75*4.75 inches. This large hopper makes it easy for your small pet or puppy to recharge the iDogmate Launcher with a ball.
This model offers a pretty handy feature with allows the device to auto turn-off to save power. Moreover, this automatic ball launcher can be remotely controlled and can be used both for indoor and outdoor.
It an all-round option. A perfect choice for the given features and build quality.
What We Like:
- Remote control | The ability to operate this device from a remote control is a very decent and compelling reason to purchase it. By using a remote, you can assist your dog in playing with moving yourself. It makes operation of this device very easy and seamless.
- Arced Wheels | This model is designed with arched wheels (patented tech) for a great user experience. This technology design prevents wet ball from being stuck and maximize the shooting distance. This is something that no other model offers.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Most Innovative Ball Launcher: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
Most Innovative Ball Launcher
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
The PetSafe automatic ball launcher is equipped with motion sensors that provide superior protection for both people and pets who come within seven feet of its launch area.
A built-in 15 minutes rest function prevents dog from overexerting itself during the long play sessions.
The device can launch a tennis ball to a distance from anywhere between 8-30 feet
What We Like:
- Rest feature | This is models offers a very unique and well though-of feature among automatic ball launchers. This provides a 15 minutes break to your pet during longer play sessions. This prevents your dog from getting extremely exhausted.
- Sensors | This device offers safety feature to avoid hitting a pet of human with seven feet of its launching area. It is very useful if you have young children around. This can help to ensure safety of both, your child and your pet.
Things to Consider:
- Not a very cheap option | Even though it is a very feature-rich option in the list, it’s not very cheap. The high-end features will cost you a sustainable amount.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: Playball
Best Budget Option
A great deal for the automatic ball launcher for dogs. It offers 3 launch settings, making this highly suitable for indoor use. Bright lights on the launch unit indicate which distance setting has been chosen.
The maximum distance setting can be set to 20 feet. This model operates on both a power plug and/or on batteries (not included).
This launcher comes with 3 mini tennis balls (1.5 inches in diameter each. Due to this machine only accommodating small size balls, this model is only meant small sized dogs.
This model has pretty much everything you’d want in an automatic ball launcher, except it’s a cheaper option than most.
What We Like:
- Small sized balls | This is ideal for people you own small sized dogs and want their dogs to have fun. Smaller tennis balls mean that their dogs can easily handle the balls and play to their heart’s content.
- Anti-jam function | If the ball gets stuck in the device, simply tilt the machine back, press setting button to power up the motor, then tilt the machine forward and the ball will be released.
Things to Consider:
- No batteries included | Even though this model offers the option to power the device via battery, but none is included in the box from the manufactures. You’ll need to buy one for yourself.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Multiple Ball Loading Option: GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4
Multiple Ball Loading Option
This model is designed so that ball launches upwards & out, keeping dog out of direct ball launch pattern. It offers 3 Time Intervals & 3 Distance Settings to set.
This ball launcher has wide-mouth bucket for easy dog ball return; hence you will not need to load the balls every time.
This product also offers the owners to remotely launch ball at will or sets launch interval. Though remote not needed for automatic play.
Auto-Stop Safety Sensor offers on demand fetch when dog wants to play. Safety Arc provides upward & out launch designed to keep dogs out of direct launch pattern; making sure ball does not hit the dog straight out of machine.
This model allows to load multiple balls at once, allowing for prolonged playing sessions for your pets.
This device provides a healthy way to satisfy a dog’s insatiable need for constant fetch while owner is doing chores, away from home, recovering from injury/illness, physically disabled or when they simply want a new way to play fetch with their dog.
What We Like:
- Loading multiple balls | This model allows users to load multiple balls at once so that their pets can be occupied for a longer period of time. It removes the constant loading of the ball launcher after every throw.
- Remote control | This device offers a remote-control feature. The user can manually control the ball launcher from a distance.
- Wide bucket | It allows for the dogs to easily return the ball to the device and continue to play without requiring the help of its owner.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic dog ball launcher and how does it work?
An automatic dog ball launcher is an electronic device that lets a person launch balls for their pets to chase and fetch. There are basically two types of dog ball launchers, automatic and manual.
Automatic ball launchers take the work out of throwing a ball, as they launch them for you – all you need to do is load the balls yourself or train your pet to bring it back to the chute/funnel. Manual dog ball launchers still require some effort on the part of the pet parent, but make throwing a ball long distances easier. Also, manual is cheaper than the automatic ones.
Do dog ball launchers require special balls?
This is not always the case. Not all dog ball launchers require special balls. While there are some devices that use special balls, the majority of dog ball launchers can be used with a standard sized tennis ball. Or any other type of ball with similar diameter.
How does an automatic dog ball thrower work?
A dog ball thrower that is automatic is either powered by AC adopter or a battery. Such devices function to automatically launch balls for your dog to chase and fetch. Hence, eliminating your task to manually throw the ball away yourself.
These electric devices can throw balls to a distance of about 10-30 feet. These automatic ball throwers can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can actually help your pet get the exercise it needs. These devices frequently include angle settings as well as distance settings, allowing you to set the distance and height of the throw.
Most of automatic dog ball launchers models in the market include a wide mouth bucket. This means that you can train your dog to bring the ball back to and drop in. This way, you’ll never need to help the dog to refill the ball launcher, your pet will be able to play on its own.
Other Worthy Mentions
These are ones that didn’t quite make the cut as one of the top picks, but are still interesting enough to take a look at.
Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
AC adapter included; no batteries required.
Key Features:
- AC adapter only
- Safety mode alerts your pet when ball is launching
- Adjustable launch angles
- Launches ball up to 40 feet
All for Paws Interactive Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
This device has a modern design. It is also an automatic ball launcher. The launcher features make independent play easy and fun, all you have to do is plug it in, choose your launching distance and then drop in a 2.5” max ball.
Key Features:
- Premium build quality
- Can launch the ball 10, 25 or 40 feet
- Can work with battery (not included)
- 3-year money back guarantee
KARMAS PRODUCT Interactive Ball Launcher
This model offers the use of ball launcher with a remote control. This is a small product. Can be easily stored.
Key Features:
- Remote controlled operation
- Can throw ball 10ft, 30ft, 30ft
- Compact size & easy storage
Etna Gotcha Talking Dog Fetch Toy
This model is for very small dogs. The balls used are very small. Plays a sound ‘Good Dog’ when a ball is placed back in the device.
Key Features:
- For small sized pets
- Compact and easy to store
- Can operate on battery
- Sound plays
Livebest Mini Automatic Ball Launcher
This model is for small pets. It also offers the feature of a remote control. It has decent build quality.
Key Features:
- Include remote control
- Launch distance 10, 20 and 30 ft
- Can operate on battery (not included)
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