Best pickleball balls in 2024 - top 7 compared

Buy if:

• You're looking for a reliable ball:

  these are rugged, tough, and built to last.

• You're beginner to advanced level:

  these are so popular because they suit every skill level.

• You want the official APP Tour ball:

  as of March 2024, this is the official ball of the APP Tour.

Pass if:

• You're looking for a fast ball:

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

• You play indoors:

  these are dedicated outdoor balls, so try the GAMMA Photons for the best indoor option.

• You play in very cold conditions:

  if you're playing below 45º, try the Selkirk Pro S1s.

Buy if:

• You want a high-performance outdoor ball:

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

• You're an advanced player:

  you can play a high-paced, tournament-style game with these balls.

• You want a ball with official approval:

  these are the official balls of the USA Pickleball Association National Championships.

Pass if:

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  these balls are some of the priciest you'll find, so try the CORE Outdoors instead.

• You're worried about cracking:

  these will crack more than the X-40s and Selkirk Pro S1s—even in warmer conditions.

• You play in cold conditions:

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

Buy if:

• You mostly play outdoor pickleball:

  these are built to withstand wind and rain.

• 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:

  these will crack more easily under 45º, so try the Selkirk Pro S1s instead.

• You want a wide choice of colors:

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

• You're a casual rec player:

  check out the reliable Franklin X-40s, which are built to last.

Buy if:

• You're sick of tossing out cracked pickleballs:

  many players report 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 create more surface area for your paddle to get a grip on.

Pass if:

• You prefer less pop:

  these are poppier and faster than a Franklin X-40 ball.

• You're a beginner:

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

• You play indoors:

  try the GAMMA Photons if you'd prefer an indoor ball. They're a little softer and have the indoor-recommended 26 holes.

Buy if:

• You're on a budget:

  grab these for as little as $1 a ball 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:

  try the Vulcan VPRO FLIGHTs.

• You're a banger looking for pure power:

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

• You want a true bulk supply of balls:

  these come in 36-packs but the Niupipo MX27s go up to 100-packs.

Buy if:

• You're an advanced player:

  these are faster and poppier than the Franklin X-40s.

• You plan to play in high-level competitions:

  the Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT is the official ball of the PPA Tour.

• You want a fancy ball holster:

  these come with a 3-ball sleeve.

Pass if:

• You're on a budget:

  at $4 per ball, these are on the more expensive side, so check out the GoSports GS40s for a cheaper option.

• You're a beginner:

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

• You want the most durable ball:

  the Selkirk Pro S1s are the best for withstanding cracks.

Buy if:

• You play a lot indoors:

  you'll want an indoor ball instead of an outdoor one—indoor balls have 26 holes instead of 40, and are generally softer.

• You want the closest thing to an outdoor ball:

  I like these GAMMA balls because they're not as soft as other indoor balls, making them stronger, faster, and more consistent.

• You want good value:

  at $8.99 for a 3-pack and $14.99 for a 6-pack these are great value for money because they're long lasting.

Pass if:

• You play mostly outdoors:

  the CORE Outdoor is my top choice for you as they're strong in wind and rain.

• You want color choices:

  these only come in high-vis yellow.

• You're looking for a bulk buy:

  check out the GoSports GS40, which comes in sizes up to a 36-pack.