Best pickleball balls in 2024 - top 10 compared

Buy if:

• You're looking for a reliable ball:

  these are rugged, tough, and built to last.

• You want great value:

  these are super affordable, without compromising on quality.

• You want something for rec play:

  these balls have the right speed and bounce to suit players of all levels.

Pass if:

• You’re looking for a fast ball:

  these balls play on the slower side. For a faster option, check out the Dura Fast 40s.

• You play indoors:

  these are dedicated outdoor balls, not ideal for indoor games.

• You play in very cold conditions:

  if you're playing below 45º, try the PCKL Elite 40s.

Buy if:

• You're progressing from beginner to intermediate:

  these balls are the ideal step-up pickleball balls.

• You want a high-performance outdoor ball:

  these balls fly true and straight, with a consistent bounce.

• You want a ball with official approval:

  these are the official balls of the APP, and are USA Pickleball-approved.

Pass if:

• You're on a budget:

  these balls are a little pricier than some of my other picks.

• You're worried about cracking:

  these will crack more than others like the X-40 and Selkirk S1—even in warmer conditions.

• You play in tough conditions:

  this ball is durable, but won't last more than 5-10 games in the cold.

Buy if:

• You mostly play outdoor pickleball:

  these are built to withstand the elements.

• You're a banger:

  these balls are designed to stand up to hard shots.

• You're an intermediate to advanced player:

  these are fast balls, not ideal for beginners.

Pass if:

• You play in very cold conditions:

  under 45º, these balls will crack more easily.

• You want a wide choice of colors:

  these come in any color you like, so long as you only like neon green.

Buy if:

• You're sick of tossing out cracked pickleballs:

  players are reporting that these balls are practically un-crackable. I haven't cracked one yet.

• You play in cold conditions:

  these balls can withstand 30º sessions without any issues.

• You like to play with spin:

  the varying hole sizes equal more surface area for your paddle to get grip on.

Pass if:

• You prefer less pop:

  this is poppier and faster than a Franklin X-40 ball.

• You're a beginner:

  you'll find a slower ball easier to work with.

Buy if:

• You're on a budget:

  grab these for as little as $1 a go on offer.

• You're a pickleball coach or organizer:

  if you need balls in bulk, these are a great choice.

• You use a pickleball machine:

  a machine like the Erne holds 150 balls, which can be expensive to fill.

Pass if:

• You're an advanced player:

  stick with the Franklin X-40s, or try the new Vulcan VPRO FLIGHTs.

• You're a banger looking for pure power:

  try the Selkirk Pro S1s or the ONIX Dura Fast 40s.

Buy if:

• You play pickleball in low temperatures:

  these are designed to work well in cold conditions.

• You want a highly-visible pickleball:

  their design makes it easy to keep track of this ball, even in low light.

• You're looking for pickleballs to play in competitions:

  these are designed for competitive play and are USA Pickleball-approved.

Pass if:

• You want colors other than neon green:

  only the classic pickleball color available here.

• You're on a budget:

  these work out to $3.75 a ball.

Buy if:

• You're an advanced player:

  you'll be seeing a lot of these around soon, so better get used to them.

• You plan to play in high-level competitions:

  as the official ball of the PPA, many tournaments will start to use these balls.

• You want a fancy ball holster:

  these come with a 3-ball sleeve.

Pass if:

• You're on a budget:

  these work out to over $4 a ball.

• You're a beginner:

  these are best left to higher-level players, so try the Franklin X-40s instead.

Buy if:

• You play most of your pickleball indoors:

  this 26-hole ball is designed for indoor courts.

• You want to play in tournaments:

  this ball was developed specifically to comply with USA Pickleball bounce rules.

• You play on bouncy surfaces, like concrete or hardwood:

  these are good at restricting bounce to a playable and legal level.

Pass if:

• You're on a tight budget:

  these balls don't come cheap.

Buy if:

• You find your shot speed lacking:

  these balls will fly faster than your average pickleball.

• You want to practice your spin:

  the two-tone option is designed for spin training.

• You like a ball with a little give:

  these balls will flex a little as you hit them.

Pass if:

• You want to buy in bulk:

  these come in 4-packs only.

• You prefer a hard ball:

  these balls have a little give in them.

Buy if:

• You're looking for affordable outdoor pickleballs:

  these are even USA Pickleball-approved for tournament play.

• You're buying for a club or camp:

  these come in packs of up to 100 balls.

• You use a pickleball machine for practice:

  Spend less time filling up the hopper and more time practicing your dinks.

Pass if:

• You're an advanced player:

  these may feel a little lacking in performance, so try the Selkirk S1s or Vulcan VPROs instead.