Buying guide
Best Putters in 2026 (Including the Best Putters for Beginners)
Mallets, blades, and counterbalanced putters matched to your stroke — from high-MOI Spider and Odyssey mallets to excellent-value Cleveland HB SOFT 2 models.
- 6picks
- 8.8top score
- 8min read
- Sep 16, 2026updated
Best value putter line Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Putter 8.8GolfTested score The short answer
Our picks, and who each one is for
Best value putter line8.8score
Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Putter
Speed Optimized Face and nine stroke-matched head shapes for about $160.
Best for Golfers who want a well-designed, forgiving putter matched to their stroke without paying premium prices.
Skip if You want a boutique milled putter or you need counterbalancing (see the HB SOFT 2 CB).
$159.99 Model 11
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Best high-MOI mallet8.8score
TaylorMade Spider Tour X Putter
Excellent alignment help and stability with a softer roll.
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Best classic Spider mallet8.7score
TaylorMade Spider #3 Putter
Large alignment picture and strong resistance to twisting.
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Best forgiving Odyssey mallet8.7score
Odyssey DFX 2025 Putter
Soft insert feel and stability that make mishits less dramatic.
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Best putter for a handsy stroke8.6score
Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 11 CB Putter
Counterbalanced mallet that quiets the hands.
$179.99
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Best budget first upgrade8.1score
Cobra Golf Classic Putter
Familiar shape and clear alignment at a mid-market price.
Picks are ordered by fit, not by payout. Brand-direct prices show the date we checked them; Amazon prices change too often to print, so those links open the live listing. Buying through a link may earn GolfTested a commission and never changes a score.
These picks are drawn from the reviews already published on GolfTested: manufacturer specifications, independent testing from across the golf equipment world, and long-term owner feedback, scored on one rubric. It is not presented as a GolfTested lab shootout.
The best putter is the one that matches your stroke type, helps you aim, and gives you consistent distance control. Brand and price matter far less than head shape, toe hang, and length.
This is an Expert Consensus guide based on manufacturer information, independent reviews cited in each linked review, and the GolfTested rubric. We have not run roll or stroke tests on these putters.
Quick answer
- Best value: Cleveland HB SOFT 2
- Most stable mallet: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
- Softest-feeling forgiving mallet: Odyssey DFX
- Handsy or twitchy stroke: Cleveland HB SOFT 2 CB
- Beginners: a forgiving mallet with alignment lines, such as HB SOFT 2 Model 11.
Match the putter to your stroke
- Straight stroke: face-balanced mallets are usually easiest.
- Slight arc: a mallet or blade with some toe hang may feel more natural.
- Strong arc: a blade with more toe hang often fits best.
Check length
Most golfers use putters that are too long. A properly sized putter lets your eyes sit over or just inside the ball and your arms hang naturally.
Prices and model availability change. Confirm length, grip, and current price before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best putter for beginners?
Most beginners should start with a forgiving mallet that has clear alignment lines, such as the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 11 or Odyssey DFX. Mallets are more stable on off-center strikes than small blades.
Should I use a mallet or blade putter?
Mallets usually suit straight-back, straight-through strokes and golfers who want more forgiveness. Blades with more toe hang usually suit strokes with more arc. Choose the head and hosel that match how your putter face rotates.
What is a counterbalanced putter?
A counterbalanced putter adds weight higher in the shaft, often with a longer shaft and heavier head. This can reduce wrist movement and help create a slower, more stable stroke.
How much should I spend on a putter?
You do not need to spend premium prices to get a good putter. Fit matters more than price, and value lines like Cleveland HB SOFT 2 offer stroke-matched designs for about $160 at current Dunlop pricing.