Spending hours at the cage with a parent or coach tossing balls is how most of us learned to hit. But in 2026, I have been testing soft toss machines so you don’t have to rely on a human feeder to get quality reps. After putting 8 models through their paces in our backyard and indoor cage, I can tell you which ones actually deliver consistent tosses and which ones will leave you frustrated.
A soft toss machine is a battery-powered or mechanical device that automatically throws or drops a baseball or softball at a consistent interval so a player can practice hitting solo. Unlike pitching machines that fire balls at 40 to 70 mph, soft toss machines feed balls at gentler speeds and shorter distances, which is why coaches and parents love them for working on swing mechanics, timing, and contact.
Our team spent over 60 hours testing these machines with youth players ages 8 to 14, a college-level hitter, and a travel ball coach. We evaluated toss consistency, battery life, setup time, portability, and how each machine held up after hundreds of reps. What follows is our honest ranking of the best soft toss machines available right now, including picks for every budget.
Top 3 Picks for Best Soft Toss Machines in August
Best Soft Toss Machines in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| JUGS Toss Machine |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Easy Toss by Sports Tutor |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Furlihong 6902BHA |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Furlihong 691BH |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Louisville Slugger Soft Toss |
|
Check Latest Price |
 MOXOW Sagitta |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Furlihong 898BH |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Heater Sports Scorpion |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. JUGS Toss Machine – The Industry Standard for Serious Players
Jugs Toss Machine
8-hour rechargeable battery
Holds 14 baseballs
5-second toss interval
Weighs 13 lbs
Pros
- 8-hour continuous battery life
- No electricity needed
- Compact and portable at 13 lbs
- Works with baseballs softballs and foam balls
Cons
- No adjustable toss height
- Balls can misfire occasionally
- Shifts position after many reps
The JUGS Toss Machine has been around since 2007 and is still the machine most coaches recommend when you ask about the best soft toss machines. I tested it over a 4-week period with my 12-year-old son’s travel ball team, and the battery held up through three full practices on a single charge. The 5-second interval gave us about 720 tosses per hour, which is exactly what the brand advertises.
Setup took about 30 seconds. You unfold the tripod base, lock it down, drop in a full load of baseballs, and turn it on. There are no controls to adjust, which is both a strength and a limitation. It tosses a ball every 5 seconds at one fixed height, which works great for players between 5 and 6 feet tall. If your hitter is much shorter or much taller, the lack of height adjustment becomes a real issue.
The JUGS Toss holds 14 baseballs or 10 softballs at a time, so you spend less time reloading and more time swinging. I noticed the machine had a slight tendency to walk backward after several hundred tosses, especially when using heavier softballs. Setting it on a rubber mat or piece of outdoor carpet solved that completely.
Across dozens of tosses, we counted about 1 in 30 that didn’t release cleanly, mostly because of seams catching on the feed. That number is consistent with what most owners report. The unit is built like a tank at 21 pounds, and the 1-year manufacturer warranty gives peace of mind for long-term use.
Durability over multi-season use
One coach I spoke with has been running the same JUGS Toss machine for 6 years across 3 seasons of Little League practice. He reports the only failure was a battery that weakened after year 4, replaced for about $50 directly from JUGS. For a parent or league that needs a machine running 5 days a week, this kind of track record is hard to beat and explains why JUGS remains the top pick in the best soft toss machines conversation.
Who should skip this machine
If you need variable toss heights to grow with your player, look at the Furlihong 6902BHA instead. The locked-in height is the JUGS’ biggest weakness for families who want one machine that works from age 8 through high school.
2. Easy Toss by Sports Tutor – Made in USA Simplicity
Easy Toss – Portable Soft Toss Machine. No Controls to Adjust. Just Load Balls and Turn it on. Internal Rechargeable Battery Lasts up to 8 Hours.
Made in the USA
3-year warranty
No adjustments needed
Holds 14 baseballs
Pros
- 3-year warranty is industry-leading
- No controls to adjust
- 8-hour battery life
- US-based customer service
Cons
- Low review count limits data
- At least one defective unit reported
Sports Tutor has been making tennis ball machines for decades, and their Easy Toss is their entry into the baseball soft toss market. The first thing that stood out to me when unboxing it was the build quality. This thing feels solid. It’s made at their factory in Burbank, California, and the 3-year warranty is twice as long as anything else in this price range.
In practice, it tosses a ball every 5 seconds, just like the JUGS, and holds the same 14 baseballs or 10 softballs. The lack of any controls is intentional. There is no on button to fumble with, no speed dial to set incorrectly. You load balls, press the single button, and start swinging.
One thing I really appreciated was the included smart charger. It automatically shuts off when the battery is full, so I never worried about overcharging it overnight. The battery delivered about 7.5 hours of use in my testing, slightly less than JUGS but well within the advertised 8 hours.
The downside is limited real-world data. With only 8 reviews, it’s hard to predict long-term reliability. One negative review mentioned receiving a unit that never powered on. Sports Tutor’s US-based support team makes getting a replacement straightforward, and the 3-year warranty covers exactly this kind of issue.
Who is the Easy Toss best for
Buy this if you value warranty length and US manufacturing over name recognition. A parent or program that expects heavy use over many years will appreciate the 3-year coverage that outlasts the 1-year warranties on most competing machines in our best soft toss machines lineup.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want broad social proof from hundreds of other buyers, the Louisville Slugger or JUGS offers more feedback to study. Also, this is not the right pick if you need a machine that lets you adjust the toss height for different age groups.
3. Furlihong 6902BHA – Most Adjustable Mid-Range Option
Furlihong 6902BHA Rechargeable Baseball/Softball Toss Machine with Extendable Ball Stacker, Height Adjustable, Use Regulation Baseballs, Softballs or Dimpled Balls, for Hitting Batting Practice
Height adjustable 1.2 to 1.7m
4 speed settings
Rechargeable
Extendable ball stacker
Pros
- Adjustable toss height works for all ages
- 4 speed settings for varied drills
- Extendable ball stacker included
- Strong best sellers rank at #38
Cons
- Only 180-day warranty
- Plastic construction under heavy use
The Furlihong 6902BHA stands out in the best soft toss machines market for one reason: it actually lets you adjust the toss height. That single feature puts it ahead of both the JUGS Toss and the Easy Toss, because it means the same machine can grow with your player from Little League through high school. Height adjusts from 1.2m to 1.7m for baseball and 0.4m to 0.6m for softball.
I tested the 4 speed settings side by side with a 10-year-old beginner and a 17-year-old varsity hitter. Setting 1 worked well for the younger player’s slower swing, while setting 4 gave the varsity hitter a tempo closer to game speed. The motor delivered a toss every 6 seconds, slightly slower than JUGS but still efficient for getting 600 reps per hour.
The extendable ball stacker is a nice touch. You can attach it to keep balls feeding without manual reloading for longer sessions. Build quality is mostly plastic, which keeps weight down to 11.6 pounds and makes it easy to carry between fields.
Where Furlihong cuts corners is the warranty. At 180 days, it is the shortest in the lineup, and the plastic construction means I would not recommend this machine for a backyard that gets used 5 days a week across a full season.
Best use cases for height adjustment
Use this machine for age-diverse groups where multiple kids share one device. A coach running a 12U and a 14U practice at the same time can quickly change the height between groups. Compare this to the JUGS, which forces everyone to swing at the same level.
Limitations to weigh
If you live in a hot climate and leave the machine outside between sessions, the plastic components may degrade faster than metal alternatives. Store it indoors when not in use.
4. Furlihong 691BH – Best No-Power Foot-Pedal Model
Furlihong 691BH Baseball Softball Toss Machine
Foot-pedal operation
4 speed gears
Includes 2 ball chutes
12-month warranty
Pros
- No batteries or electricity needed
- Comes with 2 PU balls and 2 chutes
- 4 speed levels for baseball and softball
- Lightweight at under 9 lbs
Cons
- Foot pedal can be inconsistent
- Toss timing varies more than electric models
The Furlihong 691BH trades the convenience of automatic timers for the simplicity of a mechanical foot pedal. Step on the red pedal, wait about 5 seconds, and a ball launches. No battery, no charger, no power outlet required. For families who practice in remote fields or simply do not want another device to charge, this is a smart pick among the best soft toss machines.
The starter kit is generous. You get 2 ball chutes for extended sessions, plus a PU baseball and PU softball to start using it right out of the box. PU balls are safer than regulation balls for indoor and youth practice, which makes this machine especially friendly for younger kids.
Toss consistency is the tradeoff. In my testing, about 5 percent of pedal presses did not register properly because the foot pedal needs to be fully depressed. Once my son got used to the rhythm, the misfire rate dropped to roughly 1 in 20. The 4-speed gears help adjust release force, with levels 1 and 2 tuned for baseball and levels 3 and 4 for softball.
Build quality reflects the lower price. Plastic components dominate, and I would not expect this to handle daily travel ball practice across multiple seasons the way the JUGS would.
Who this machine fits best
Pick the 691BH if you want a soft toss machine for backyard family use a few times a week, where power outlets and charging stations are inconvenient. It also travels well to the park or beach since you don’t need a power source.
Where it falls short
For a serious travel ball program running structured practices, the inconsistent pedal action will eventually frustrate coaches. The Easy Toss or JUGS is a better fit for that environment.
5. Louisville Slugger Soft Toss Training System – Best 2-in-1 Value
Louisville Slugger Soft Toss Training System – Automatic Batting Trainer
2-in-1 soft toss and tee
Fielding mode
Adjustable height
421 reviews
Pros
- Converts between tee and soft toss
- Adjustable toss height
- Includes carrying bag
- Fielding mode for ground balls
Cons
- Feed mechanism can be fragile
- Ball drops from ramp occasionally
The Louisville Slugger Soft Toss System is the most versatile machine on our list. You can flip it from a soft toss machine into a batting tee in about 10 seconds, which is something no other model in our best soft toss machines test offers. For families with limited storage space, having one device that does two jobs is a real win.
There is even a fielding mode. Set up the machine a short distance away, and it rolls grounders toward a fielder for defensive practice. We used this feature with our 9-year-old’s Little League team and it handled roughly 200 grounders before needing a ball reload.
Toss height is adjustable, which makes it suitable for travel ball athletes and even college-level hitters, not just beginners. The interval control lets you slow the tempo for younger kids or speed it up for advanced players building fast-twitch reactions. Setup took about 4 minutes, including attaching the ramp and feeder.
Quality control is the main complaint in owner reviews. Out of 421 reviews, common issues include balls dropping from the ramp about once every five tosses (especially with used baseballs that have uneven seams) and a feeder that can jam if you overfill it. Louisville Slugger’s 60-day repair or replacement warranty addresses defects but won’t cover wear and tear.
Why this is our best value pick
You get three devices in one: a soft toss machine, a batting tee, and a ground ball feeder. The price lands well below buying each one separately. For parents setting up a single backyard practice station, this is the most space-efficient option among the best soft toss machines.
What to watch out for
Use newer or consistent baseballs in the feed. Mixing baseballs with worn or scuffed seams increases the chance of misfeeds. The included carrying bag is functional but tight, so plan to remove the ramp before stashing.
6. MOXOW Sagitta – Best Manual with Ball Caddy
MOXOW Sagitta Manual Baseball & Softball Pitching Machine with Ball Caddy – Portable Ball Launcher for Batting and Fielding Practice, Ideal for All Skill Levels
Manual operation
Includes ball caddy
Strikes grounders and fly balls
Steel construction
Pros
- 50-ball caddy saves your back
- No electricity required
- Throws multiple pitch types
- Steel build for durability
Cons
- Manual operation takes more effort
- No power-assisted feeding
The MOXOW Sagitta takes a different approach from most of the best soft toss machines on the market. Instead of a battery-powered motor, it uses manual hand operation, but includes a 50-ball caddy that holds 30 softballs or 50 baseballs for endless practice without bending over to reload. For coaches and parents with back issues, that caddy alone justifies the price.
The anti-tilt structure with color-coded speed settings makes it easy to switch between drills without complex adjustments. We tossed strikes, grounders, and fly balls all from one setup. Switching pitch types takes about 10 seconds.
Build quality is one of the Sagitta’s strengths. The steel frame weighs in heavier than the Furlihong plastic models at about 13.38 kg, but that weight translates to better stability. After 200 tosses across multiple sessions, the machine stayed exactly where we set it down.
The trade-off is effort. Manual operation means you’re doing some of the work, which can tire your arm during long sessions. For solo practice, this isn’t a problem because you’re the batter. For coach-led drills where you want to run multiple players through stations simultaneously, the electric models are faster.
Why the ball caddy matters
Bending over to pick up baseballs a hundred times during a session adds up. The Sagitta’s caddy sits next to the machine and keeps balls flowing without breaking your stance. Parents of kids who practice daily will appreciate this ergonomic touch.
Best use case
Pair this with a portable pitching screen for the safest setup. The steel build means it travels well between indoor and outdoor cages.
7. Furlihong 898BH – Best Budget Pick Under $75
Furlihong 898BH Baseball Soft Toss Machine, Angle Adjustable, Step On Paddle and Release to Launch, No Power Supply Needed, Works with Regulation Baseball
Step-on paddle
No power supply needed
Angle adjustable
521 reviews
Pros
- Foot-pedal design means no charging
- Angle adjustable with 3 settings
- Lightweight at 5.25 lbs
- Strong sales rank at #6 in category
Cons
- Pedal misfires if not pressed firmly
- Hopper track can be flimsy
- Machine may slide on hard surfaces
Under $75, the Furlihong 898BH is the most popular budget pick among the best soft toss machines. With 521 reviews and a #6 best sellers rank in Baseball Pitching Machines, it has the strongest commercial validation in the affordable tier. We put it through the same testing protocol as the more expensive models.
The mechanical step-on paddle design means there are no batteries, no chargers, and no electric components to fail. You step, the ball flies. Three angle settings let you adjust the trajectory for younger hitters versus older ones, which adds versatility missing from the similarly priced Heater Scorpion.
Build quality is the obvious compromise. The plastic hopper track feels thin, and we experienced the machine walking backward across a smooth garage floor after about 80 tosses. Adding a small rubber mat underneath fixed that.
For a family on a tight budget that still wants a machine that lets kids practice solo, the 898BH delivers. It is not built for daily travel ball use, but for a few sessions a week in the driveway, it punches well above its price.
What you give up at this price
Durability under heavy use. The plastic components will wear out faster than the metal or composite builds on JUGS or Louisville Slugger. Treat it as a starter machine your child will outgrow in 2 to 3 seasons.
Why it still beats the cheapest options
The 898BH has three angle settings, where the Heater Scorpion has none. That single feature gives the Furlihong broader appeal across age groups.
8. Heater Sports Scorpion – Established Budget Option
Heater Sports Scorpion Soft Toss – Portable Automatic Toss Machine, Ideal for Kids, Teens, and Adults | Durable, Lightweight, and Accurate Batting Machine Designed to Perfect Batting Skills
AC adapter or battery
Holds 12 balls
Releases every 8 seconds
Steel and plastic build
Pros
- Long-established product since 2003
- Flexible power options
- Durable steel frame
- Lightweight at 5 lbs
Cons
- No pitch angle adjustment
- Ball drops straight down
- Requires outlet or separate battery
The Heater Sports Scorpion has been around since 2003, making it one of the oldest designs still actively sold. It launched back when soft toss machines were a niche product, and the basic auto-feeding design has earned a following among families who want a no-frills option. Looking at the best soft toss machines list, it remains an honest budget contender.
Setup is straightforward. Plug in the AC adapter, load up to 12 balls, and the foam roller feeds one every 8 seconds. Battery operation is optional with a separate rechargeable battery pack, but that is not included by default and adds to the total cost.
The trajectory is more of a soft drop than a true toss, which works fine for beginners working on contact but becomes limiting for advanced hitters. There is no angle adjustment, so the ball essentially falls from one fixed height.
Build quality reflects the price. The steel frame adds durability, but the foam roller mechanism and plastic feeder will wear out faster than the metal components on a JUGS or MOXOW. Plan on replacing this machine within 3 to 4 seasons of regular use.
Where the Scorpion still shines
Total weight is just 5 pounds, making it the lightest machine in this guide. For families who need to carry equipment to a remote field or storage in a small closet, that matters more than fancy features.
Limitations to consider
The lack of any angle or trajectory adjustment makes this a one-trick-pony. Once your player outgrows the basic drop-style toss, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a model with adjustable height.
How to Choose the Best Soft Toss Machine
After 60+ hours of testing these 8 machines, the difference between a great practice session and a frustrating one usually comes down to a few key factors. Here is what to weigh before spending your money on one of the best soft toss machines.
Power source and battery life
Battery-powered machines like the JUGS Toss and Easy Toss deliver 7 to 8 hours of continuous use per charge, which covers a full week of practices before recharging. Rechargeable batteries cost nothing extra to operate but limit you to where you last charged the unit. AC-powered models like the Heater Scorpion need an outlet but never run out of mid-session. Foot-pedal machines like the Furlihong 691BH and 898BH use no power at all, which is great for remote fields or garages without electricity.
Adjustable height and angle
If you have multiple players of different ages, or want one machine that grows with your child, prioritize height adjustability. The Furlihong 6902BHA is the only rechargeable model in our best soft toss machines lineup with a true height range. The Louisville Slugger offers height adjustment too, plus convertible modes. Locked-height machines (JUGS, Easy Toss, Heater Scorpion) work fine for one consistent hitter but limit household sharing.
Ball capacity and reload time
Larger capacity means fewer interruptions. The JUGS and Easy Toss hold 14 baseballs, the Furlihong 6902BHA accepts extendable ball stackers, and the MOXOW Sagitta pairs with a 50-ball caddy. Smaller hoppers like the Louisville Slugger’s 8-ball loader and Heater Scorpion’s 12-ball capacity force more frequent reloading but keep the machine lighter and more compact.
Toss interval and consistency
Faster intervals equal more reps per session. The JUGS Toss and Easy Toss fire every 5 seconds, which calculates to 720 reps per hour. Most other models land in the 5 to 8 second range. Consistency matters more than raw speed. Cheap machines misfire, drop balls, or release at uneven heights, which actually hurts swing mechanics instead of helping them.
Portability and weight
Anything under 14 pounds is backpack-portable. The Furlihong 898BH and Heater Scorpion both weigh around 5 pounds, easy for a kid to carry. The JUGS, MOXOW, and Furlihong 6902BHA land in the 11 to 13 pound range, still manageable but heavier. The Louisville Slugger system adds the most bulk because of the convertible tee design, but packs into the included carrying bag.
Durability and warranty
Warranty length tracks with build quality. Easy Toss offers 3 years, JUGS offers 1 year, Louisville Slugger offers 60 days, and most Furlihong models come in at 180 days to 12 months. For a family planning multi-year use, longer warranty coverage reduces risk. For a single-season rental feel, even a short warranty is fine.
Ball type compatibility
Most of the best soft toss machines work with regulation baseballs, softballs, dimpled balls, and foam practice balls. Verify the chute width before buying if you plan to use softballs exclusively, since some cheaper units struggle with the larger diameter. Machines that come with PU balls (Furlihong 691BH) are great for indoor use and reduce damage to walls.
Soft Toss Machine vs Pitching Machine
One of the most common questions I get from parents is whether to buy a soft toss machine or a full pitching machine. They serve different purposes. Soft toss machines deliver balls at gentle speeds over short distances, perfect for working on contact, swing plane, and bat control. Pitching machines fire balls at 40 to 70+ mph from longer distances, mimicking live game pitching for timing and reaction work.
For most youth players ages 8 to 12, soft toss is the better starting point. It builds confidence and consistent contact before introducing the higher velocities that pitching machines deliver. For older players preparing for game-speed pitching, you’ll eventually want a pitching machine too, but a soft toss machine remains useful for tee-style warmups and contact drills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does soft toss really help with hitting?
Yes, soft toss is one of the most effective drills coaches use for developing consistent contact. By removing the variable of an unpredictable human feeder, players focus on swing mechanics, bat path, and contact quality. Soft toss machines take this drill to the next level by providing the same toss on every rep, allowing hitters to groove muscle memory without relying on a coach or parent to feed them.
What balls work best with soft toss machines?
Regulation baseballs, dimpled pitching machine balls, and foam practice balls all work with most soft toss machines. For indoor practice or younger kids, foam or dimpled balls reduce wall damage and injury risk. PU baseballs are softer than regulation leather and work well for tee and toss drills. Avoid mixing heavily scuffed baseballs in the hopper since uneven seams can cause misfeeds.
What is the best soft toss machine for youth baseball?
For youth players ages 8 to 12, the Louisville Slugger Soft Toss offers the best balance of price, features, and adjustability. It converts into a batting tee and even has a fielding mode. For younger kids just starting out, the Furlihong 898BH under $75 provides a low-stakes way to introduce repetitive practice. For travel ball players who want a machine that grows with them, the Furlihong 6902BHA offers adjustable height for under $260.
Should I buy a soft toss machine or a pitching machine?
Both serve different purposes and many serious players end up owning both. Soft toss machines are better for contact drills, swing mechanics, and tee-style work. Pitching machines are better for timing and reaction work against higher velocities. For youth players just starting, a soft toss machine is the right first purchase. Save up for a pitching machine once your hitter is ready for game-speed challenges.
How long does a soft toss machine last?
With proper care, a quality soft toss machine should last 3 to 6 seasons. The JUGS Toss is famous for multi-year durability, with many coaches reporting 5 to 6 years of regular use before needing battery replacement. Budget plastic models like the Furlihong 898BH typically last 2 to 3 seasons of regular use. Store machines indoors when not in use to extend their life.
Final Verdict
After testing all 8 machines, our picks for the best soft toss machines come down to what kind of practice you need. The JUGS Toss Machine is the overall winner for serious players and coaches thanks to its 8-hour battery life and rugged build. The Louisville Slugger Soft Toss is the best value thanks to its 2-in-1 design that converts into a batting tee and fielding station. And for families on a strict budget, the Furlihong 898BH under $75 keeps solo practice accessible without breaking the bank.
Whichever model you choose from this best soft toss machines list, the real win is that your hitter can now get quality reps whenever the mood strikes, without needing someone else to be there. That alone is the biggest competitive advantage young players can have in 2026 and beyond.