The 8 Best Pickleball Balls to Play With in 2025
Best Pickleball Ball Overall Franklin Sports X-40 Pickleballs, Bucket of 36 USAPA Approved Balls Pros Available in wide array of colors Wallet-friendly when bought in bulk Easy to spin during play Long lasting build Comes in container bucket that’s easy to travel with Trusted by pickleball community Over 9,900 five-star Amazon reviews Cons Not ideal
Pros
- Available in wide array of colors
- Wallet-friendly when bought in bulk
- Easy to spin during play
- Long lasting build
- Comes in container bucket that’s easy to travel with
- Trusted by pickleball community
- Over 9,900 five-star Amazon reviews
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 |
Pros
- Unique injection molded design
- Great price point
- Color is easy to track
- Made in USA
- Special 32-hole design for improved air distribution, according to the brand
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 |
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Best Ball for Competitive Play
Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Highly responsive to spin shots
- Ball moves faster for high-level play
- Approved for tournament play
- Hard ball design that lasts long
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners to pickleball
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 |
Pros
- A couple of colors to choose from
- High quality build
- Good bounce
- Built to USAPA specs for competitive play
Cons
- Not available in anything larger than a 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 |
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Pros
- Easy to track in low light
- Excellent bounce
- Solid price point
Indoor players should look at the Jugs brand. The ball is a tad bit lighter and cut with wider holes to ensure a more responsive bounce with less chance of skipping on a gym floor. The material of the ball is also softer and more rubberized, so it’s be easier to return on an indoor surface and have less chance of taking a weird hop. Jugs balls are not sanctioned for USAPA tournament play, but nonetheless are a favorite indoor ball for recreational use.
| USAPA Approved? | No |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 26 |
Pros
- Approved for tournament play
- High level of durability
- Great price for a six-pack
- Plays well in windy conditions
Cons
- Ball is a little heavy to some players
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 |
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Pros
- Average about $3.65 per ball in bulk
- Great for beginners and for teaching
- Made in USA
- Slim chance of receiving a dud
Cons
- Advanced players will want a harder and faster ball
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 |
Pros
- 100% matte finish makes it play well on indoor and outdoor surfaces
- Comes in a six pack
- Great for beginners to the game
Cons
- Not ideal for competitive play
For someone who wants a pickleball that can be played on indoor and outdoor surfaces, Selkirk’s hybrid ball is a worthy choice. Selkirk manufactures its hybrid by utilizing a 100% matte finish on the ball, making it so it will resist scuffs and skipping no matter what court it plays on. The versatility can save you a little money, although the performance won’t excel in either playing venue.
| USAPA Approved? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 40 |
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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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