It’s hard to tell the difference from one pickleball to another, but small details like the size of the holes in a ball and how the ball is molded can greatly impact your game. The science of what makes a good pickleball ball is crucial to knowing what type of pickleball you should be looking for. A lot of it also depends on your skill level and how frequently you play, but the best pickleball balls can be widely used by a variety of players.
What to Consider
Materials
When looking for pickleball balls to buy you want to first check the material its made of. There are three basic plastics that pickleball balls are constructed with: polypropylene, polyethylene, and ABS plastic. Polypropylene is typically the softest and offers good bounce for indoor play. Polyethylene is like a hybrid that can be good for general all-around play. ABS plastic is the hardest and offer high durability and is good for outdoor play.
Firmness
A ball should be firm and resistant to denting. If you can easily press your finger into the ball and create an indentation, then it’s likely the ball will be prone to dead spots and not bounce properly.
Holes
Next, you want to make sure the holes in the ball are evenly dispersed and clean cut. The holes are what deliver balance, so if anything is off the chances of the ball wavering or “waffling” in the air are increased. Some balls are cut with more holes than others, and other balls are cut with bigger holes than what you might normally see. These minor details can ultimately dictate how fast a ball plays—more numerous, tighter hole cuts usually result in a faster ball.
Rotational vs. Injection Molded
If you are playing at a competitive level, it’s worth checking the molding process of the ball. A rotational molded pickleball is made by the plastic being put into a gyrating process and forming the ball with no seam. These balls are usually faster and and last longer, yet they are more expensive due to the production process. Injection molded involves a process where the ball is formed in two parts and then molded together. An injection molded ball is bouncier and cheaper, yet they are prone to splitting over time as that ball gets more wear and tear.
Indoors Vs. Outdoors
Pickleball is played just as much indoor as it is outdoor. Indoor surfaces are generally smoother and more polished, like a gymnasium floor, while outdoor are rougher and harder.
Indoor Pickleball Balls
Generally speaking, an indoor pickleball ball is often softer and lighter because of the fact there won’t be any wind impacting it’s travel. The ball also sometimes has bigger holes to ensure a higher bounce since indoor floors (usually wood) aren’t as strong as outdoor courts (typically concrete).
Outdoor Pickleball Balls
On the flip side, an outdoor pickleball ball is going to typically be a tad bit heavier and made with stronger materials to combat weather elements like wind and humidity. An outdoor ball will be made with more abrasive-resistant materials to better handle scuffs and impacts.
How We Selected
We consulted with Men’s Health‘s editors and writers on the best pickleball balls in 2025. Experts and editors who play frequently put a number pickleball balls to the test and evaluated their performance, durability, and value. The Men’s Health editors and writers have been playing their fair share of pickleball over the past few years, and so each ball has been carefully chosen to reflect different environments and personal preferences of all types of picklers.
We also considered top-reviewed pickleball balls that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust. In total, we tested over 15 different pickleball balls and found 8 we recommend.
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Best Pickleball Ball Overall
Franklin Sports X-40 Pickleballs, Bucket of 36 USAPA Approved Balls
Cons
- Not ideal for indoor play
Franklin is a very trusted brand in pickleball, and the X-40 is a continuous go-to pick for us, as well as many players. The X-40 has 40 precise machine-drilled holes that ensure tight spin and a balanced flight pattern, all while still adhering the USAPA specifications for tournament-approved balls.
We like them as the best ball overall because you can choose between five colors (Yellow, Ember, Lava, Multi, and Pink), and you get a deal of about $3.33 (cheaper when they’re on sale!) a ball when buying the 36-pack bucket, which is a steal when it comes to snagging a competitive ball. It’s also worth noting you get this cool container with your purchase.
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| USAPA Approved | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Best Ball for Beginners
Wilson Tru 32 Ball – 2 Pack
Cons
- Some advanced players might want a faster ball
Wilson has quickly climbed the ranks in the world of pickleball thanks to its dedication in developing better tech for the sport. The Tru 32 is made from a 32-hole injection molded design that promises better air distribution and bounce consistency. The result is a ball better suited for beginners, as it’s a little softer and easier to use for casual play due to bounce and lower speed. What’s nice is the ball lasts quite a long time, so you’re getting your monies worth with your purchase.
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| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 32 |
Best Ball for Competitive Play
Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
Now 18% Off
The Dura Fast 40 is what a player comes to when it’s time to really start getting competitive. The ball plays notoriously fast and is made with a harder compound that responds more to spin. It’s true the ball is less responsive than other balls, but if you’re looking to become an advanced player (or already are) you’ll find this ball is much more rewarding when you square it up on your shot. Just don’t expect the Dura Fast 40 to be very forgiving on less-than-quality shots.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Best New Ball
PCKL Optic Speed Pickleballs Outdoor 4 Pack
PCKL has affirmed itself as high quality brand in pickleball over the past year. Not only have we enjoyed testing PCKL paddles but we also enjoyed playing with the PCKL Optic Speed balls. This ball has ample bounce and has great response in competitive play. It hasn’t passed the Franklin X-40 in our eyes yet, but in many ways it gets pretty dang close.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
Most Durable Ball
Onix Fuse G2 Pickleball Ball, 6-Pack
Now 36% Off
Onix is at the top of the food chain in competitive pickleball. The brand makes several outstanding pickleball balls that carry United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) approval. The Fuse G2 is a commonly used ball for outdoor tournaments thanks to its consistency—meaning the chances of getting a dead ball from a batch are slim.
| USAPA Approved? | 40 |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | Yes |
Best Balls to Buy in Bulk
Wilson TRU 32 Ball – 48-Ball Case
Similar to buying tennis balls, buying pickleball balls in bulk is no joke. Wilson’s cases aren’t the cheapest, but they also aren’t the most expensive. If you want to go the case route, a 48-ball case of Wilson’s TRU 32’s are going to become a mighty fine investment in the long run—especially if you’re buying for you and the family, or if you are buying to teach a class how to play pickleball.
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| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 32 |
John Thompson is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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