The brands, briefly
Who makes what, and who each brand suits. Useful context before you spend.
Yonex
The sport's dominant brand. Best-known for its rackets, but also a leader in shuttlecocks, strings, shoes and bags. Sponsors a huge share of the world's elite players, which gives it real credibility and an enormous range to choose from.
Yonex is a Japanese brand founded in 1946, and it's the biggest name in badminton by some distance. It makes everything from beginner rackets to the gear used by most of the world's top players, so you'll see it on courts everywhere. If you're not sure where to start, Yonex is the safe, widely available default.
Best for: Almost anyone, which is why it's the usual recommendation. Beginners benefit from the wide range and easy availability; improving players can pick a series (Astrox, Nanoflare or Arcsaber) that matches how they like to play.
Victor
A genuine alternative to Yonex with a strong reputation for rackets and, in particular, court shoes that fans rate highly for fit and grip. Sponsors several leading players, including Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia.
Victor is a Taiwanese brand and Yonex's closest big-name rival, especially strong across Asia and Europe. It makes well-regarded rackets, shoes and clothing, and its gear is used by a number of top international players. Many players who try Victor end up loyal to it.
Best for: Improving players who want a credible step up or simply something different from Yonex. Also a favourite among players who care a lot about shoes, as Victor's footwear has a strong following.
Li-Ning
A fast-rising challenger to Yonex and Victor at the top of the game. Known for striking designs and for sponsoring big names such as world champion Loh Kean Yew and India's P.V. Sindhu.
Li-Ning is a major Chinese sports brand founded in 1990 by Olympic gymnast Li Ning, and it has become a serious force in badminton over the past decade. It backs a number of high-profile international players and makes a full range of rackets, shoes and apparel. The styling tends to be bold, which some players love.
Best for: Improving and competitive players who want pro-level gear with distinctive looks and are happy to look beyond the two best-known brands. Less of a default first choice for total beginners simply because it's less common on shop shelves in some areas.
Apacs
Strong value for money. Known for affordable rackets that can be strung at higher tensions than many budget frames allow, and for some very lightweight models. Widely sold online and a common recommendation for players watching their budget.
Apacs is a Malaysian brand established in 2002, best known for offering high-performance rackets at prices well below the big three. A particular selling point is that many of its frames take high string tensions, which more advanced players often want. It's a popular pick for getting a lot of racket for your money.
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners and improving players who want capable gear without paying premium-brand prices, plus anyone after a very light racket or one that can be strung at higher tension.
Asics
Court shoes. Best-known for its Gel cushioning and supportive, stable fit, which suits the quick stops and side-to-side movement of badminton. A go-to footwear brand for players who find dedicated badminton-brand shoes uncomfortable.
Asics is a Japanese footwear brand founded in 1949, and on a badminton site it's worth knowing purely for its court shoes. Its indoor shoes are valued for comfort, cushioning and stability rather than for rackets, which it doesn't really compete in. A solid choice if shoe comfort is your priority.
Best for: Players of any level who prioritise shoe comfort and cushioning, and especially those who struggle to find a comfortable fit in racket-brand footwear. Note: Asics here is for court shoes only, not rackets.