Pickleball balls have a big impact on your game. They can play fast or slow, hard or soft, bouncy or flat. You should take the time to find the right balls for you, just as you would when choosing a pickleball paddle.
After hours of research and on-court play testing, I've put together this list of the best pickleball balls on the market in 2025, with different choices for different players.
The overall winner is unchanged from last year. The Franklin X-40 Outdoor Ball is still the best and most reliable ball for most players, despite some new competition from the likes of the Life Time Pro 48.
Still, advanced players might prefer a ball with more speed (I personally do), or you may want a cheap option for a bulk buy. Take a look at my top picks to see what's right for you.
Best pickleball balls at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. Franklin X-40 Outdoor
Best speed ball
Our Rating:
2. Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT (Gen 2)
Best budget pick
Our Rating:
3. GoSports GS40
What the pros play with
Our Rating:
4. Life Time Pro 48
Most durable
Our Rating:
5. Selkirk Pro S1
The best pickleball balls in 2025
Not all pickleball balls are created equal. In fact, they can play very differently on the court. Below, I'll break down in detail how each ball ranks on durability, speed, bounce, spin, and more. I've tested each of these balls rigorously over multiple sessions on the courts.
You might notice that all of these balls are technically outdoor balls. We've tried some indoor pickleball balls but, honestly, nobody really uses them anymore.
Most players find their favorite outdoor ball and play with it on any court, because outdoor balls are tougher and faster. Indoor balls are softer and made for surfaces like wooden basketball courts, whereas more and more private facilities are building great indoor pickleball courts with proper surfaces.
Let's dive into the list.
Why you can trust Pickleheads: I spend hours testing every product I review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test.
1. Franklin X-40 Outdoor
Loading...
Durability
Speed
Bounce
Price
Number Of Holes
40
Weight
0.92 oz (26 g)
Diameter
2.91" (74 mm)
Color Options
Yellow, pink, ember, lava
Molding
One-piece, rotationally molded
Cost per ball: $2.50-3.40
Check out our list of the best pickleball machines.
Buy if:
You want a consistent bounce:
the Franklins keep their consistency bounce after bounce, which is one of the main reasons they're so popular for rec play, drilling, and tournaments.
You're looking for a durable ball:
almost as tough as the "no-crack" Selkirk Pro S1, the Franklin X-40 is rugged and built to last, lasting 20-30 games for me.
You're a beginner to intermediate player:
these are extremely popular with newer and intermediate players because of their consistency and reliability – some (though not all) advanced players will want more speed.
Pass if:
You're looking for a fast ball:
the X-40s play on the slower side. For a faster option, check out the Life Time and Vulcan balls.
You play in very cold conditions:
if you're playing below 40º, try the Selkirk Pro S1, which comes with a "no-crack" warranty.
You want a cheaper alternative:
the GoSports GS40 is a top alternative if you want a bulk buy or a cheap ball – they average $2.07 per ball.
Today’s best deals
2. Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT (Gen 2)
Loading...
Durability
Speed
Bounce
Price
Cost per ball: $3.99 (3-pack price)
Buy if:
You're a high intermediate or advanced player:
these are too fast for beginners but they're great for more advanced players as they offer speed combined with spin.
You plan to play in leagues or tournaments:
because of this ball's MLP endorsement, many local events use it.
You buy in bulk:
the more you buy, the better the value – their 100-pack comes out at just $2 per ball (if you use our exclusive code on the Vulcan store).
Pass if:
You want an even faster ball:
the Life Time Pro 48 edges this for pace, and I scored it 10/10 for speed.
You're a beginner:
I recommend the Franklin X-40 because it lasts longer (saving you money) and plays slower so you can get more of a feel for the game.
You want the most durable ball:
the Selkirk Pro S1s are the best at withstanding cracks.
Today’s best deals
3. GoSports GS40
Loading...
Durability
Speed
Bounce
Price
Cost per ball: $2.07 (4-pack price)
What is my pickleball skill rating?
Buy if:
You're a beginner:
if you're just starting out, you might want a cheaper ball that's still durable and playable – the GoSports GS40 is the best.
You want to buy pickleball balls in bulk:
if you're a pickleball coach or organizer, or just want a lot of balls, you can get these for as cheap as $1.40 a ball when you buy large multi-packs.
You use a pickleball machine:
a machine from Titan, Erne, or Tennibot can hold 100-200 balls, which can be expensive to fill.
Pass if:
You rely on heavy spin shaping:
get the Franklin X-40 or Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT if you want a ball that's easier to spin.
You want a ball that won't crack anytime soon:
the Selkirk Pro S1 is the longest-lasting ball I've seen.
You want a ball with a more consistent bounce:
spend a little more and get the Life Time Pro 48 or Franklin X-40.
Today’s best deal
4. Life Time Pro 48
Loading...
Durability
Speed
Bounce
Price
Buy if:
You want the fastest ball:
this ball is even faster than the Vulcan and the previous pick, the ONIX Dura Fast 40.
You want a reliable ball with a true bounce:
the Life Time rivals the Franklin X-40 for consistency, with no weird bounces that surprise you.
You're a more advanced player:
the Life Time ball is suited to rising intermediate and advanced players who can handle the speed.
Pass if:
You're a beginner:
this will be too hard and speedy for newer players, who will fare better with a Franklin X-40.
You're on a budget:
at an average of $4 per ball, these can be costly over time.
You want more spin:
one of the downsides is that this ball has less spin than the Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT.
Today’s best deal
5. Selkirk Pro S1
Loading...
Durability
Speed
Bounce
Price
Cost per ball: $3.75 (4-pack price)
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 faster balls:
the Selkirk ball is faster than the Franklin X-40, and aggressive players who hit hard like this one.
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 like the X-40 easier to work with.
You want the fastest ball:
if you want to up the speed to the max, check out the Life Time Pro 48 or GoSports GS40.
Today’s best deals
How to choose the best pickleball ball
The short answer is: I get my hands on every ball I can find and I play with them. Testing them on the court is the best way to find out which ball you prefer. That's exactly what we do here at Pickleheads. We test each product we review for a minimum of five hours, across at least two play sessions.
Every ball I included above was put through this rigorous real-life testing. The same goes for any of our guides, from the best pickleball nets to the pickleball bags.
When it came to reviewing the best pickleball balls, I scored each product based on these criteria:
- Performance: this is number one. How does the ball perform on speed, spin, and bounce in genuine court sessions, and under heavy play?
- Durability: some balls crack easily, or wear down much too quickly for my liking. All of my picks are judged on their ability to stand up to heavy use.
- Value: the value of pickleball balls can vary a lot. There's no point forking out for an expensive ball if it lasts only a few games. I weigh up each ball's value based on its durability and performance.
- Visibility: well-made balls should be easy to see, so this is something to watch out for with cheap balls. The last thing you want is a ball that's hard to keep your eye on, leading to distractions or mishits. It's not a huge factor anymore but something to consider.
Does pickleball ball weight matter?
The weight of a pickleball can make a big difference, even if it's off by just a fraction. When it's too light, it can be difficult to keep in play and generate any power. When it's too heavy, your swing becomes more labored and you're less likely to make contact with the ball.
Heavier pickleballs are generally better for outdoor play. This is because the wind can easily blow a lighter ball off course. However, if you're playing indoors, weight may not be as big of a factor.
Find the perfect paddle
I’ve personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Does the number of holes matter in a pickleball ball?
The number of holes can have a huge effect on the flight of a ball. You should make sure you're playing with a ball that meets regulations and follows pickleball rules.
Indoor balls generally have 26 holes while outdoor balls usually have 40. These are the minimum and maximum numbers allowed, though some brands like Selkirk like to experiment with this.
Indoor vs outdoor pickleball balls
You'll see balls being labeled indoor or outdoor balls, and they differ in several key ways, including the number of holes, speed, and weather resistance. They even produce different levels of noise. While there are some outliers, it generally breaks down like this:
Just know that most players have stopped using indoor balls. I play around 15 hours a week, and it's mostly indoors (at the SunPro Tennis & Pickleball Club in Springville, Utah). I don't see indoor balls because they are made for floors like wooden basketball courts.
Nowadays, there are so many indoor facilities with proper pickleball surfaces that I haven't needed an indoor ball in a long time – they've become mostly irrelevant.
Most people just use their favorite outdoor ball on all courts because they are faster and harder than indoor balls. I'm the same – I play with Vulcan and Franklin balls both outdoors and indoors, as I find indoor balls too soft and slow.
Padel balls vs pickleball balls
Despite the fact that they use similar equipment, padel and pickleball are completely different games. Padel balls are like tennis balls with slightly less pressure for a lower bounce. Pickleball balls are light, perforated plastic balls.
The two aren't interchangeable, and you wouldn't get very far trying to play pickleball with a padel ball.
Wiffle balls vs pickleball balls
Here's where things get a little harder. Wiffle balls are made of the same plastic as pickleballs and also feature holes. They look very similar, but they're not the same.
Each side of a wiffle ball usually has eight longer holes that help a pitcher add spin, while pickleballs feature between 26-40 round holes.
Bottom line
That's my roundup of the best pickleball balls in 2025. To recap, here are my top 5 picks:
- Franklin X-40 - Best overall
- Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT - Best speed ball
- GoSports GS40 - Best budget pick
- Life Time Pro 48 - What the pros play with
- Selkirk Pro S1 - Most durable
The Franklin X-40 Outdoor is the best ball for most players, because it's softer and a little slower than more intense balls like the Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT and Life Time, which advanced players may prefer.
While it might not seem as important as choosing your trusty pickleball paddle, it's worth weighing up your options when it comes to pickleball balls. Whether you're after durability or speed, I hope I've helped you find the right ball for your game.
Looking for somewhere to play? Whether you prefer playing indoors or outdoors, you can easily find pickleball courts near you.
Recent updates
August 2025
For this update, I removed some balls that are no longer as relevant as they used to be, and made way for the most impressive newcomer: the Life Time Pro 48. This ball got a lot of people talking, with endorsements from pros like Zane Navratil, and being played with at some PPA events.
People seemed to either love it or hate it, so I was excited to test it myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it was, so much that I decided it deserved a spot over the long-standing ONIX Dura Fast 40.
As pickleball technology improves all the time, we sometimes have to let go of a ball or paddle that has had its heyday, and the ONIX is one. I don't see many players grabbing them anymore, but they were once the fastest ball for bangers and competitive players.
I also removed the CORE Outdoor, which is a durable ball, but not as tough as the Selkirk Pro S1. Finally, after consulting with the Pickleheads team, I decided to get rid of the "best indoor ball", the GAMMA Photon. We all agreed that you just don't see players using indoor balls anymore, as they prefer to play with outdoor balls on indoor courts.
FAQs
