Because ball is life.
Reviewed by Charles Thorp, NASM
Expert consulted: Chris Johnson
NBA Master Teacher
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SHOOTING HOOPS IS a great way to burn calories, build up your cardio, and challenge your muscular endurance, all while having some good old-fasioned fun. Whether you're a serious baller, or just getting into the game, you're going to want to show up to the courts with the right rock. But not every basketball is made the same, and you may be hurting your game by just grabbing anything off the store shelf. The best basketballs offer superior grip, real durability, and of course, a great bounce.
"They may all look very similar, but every basketball has a unique feel and grip," says Chris Johnson, a NBA master trainer who has worked with skilled shooters like Dwayne Wade and Lebron James. "Find a ball that works for your home court, making sure that it has a good feel and seams that work with your hands. From there it's all about putting in the practice." The Men's Health team has put together a list of the best basketballs on the market, with some input from Johnson. Read through below to learn more about our process and considerations you should make while shopping, or skip ahead to see our picks.
Best Basketballs
Best Basketball for Indoor or Outdoor Games
Spalding Zi/O Excel TF Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
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What to Consider
While there are other factors that go beyond this simple list, using these considerations will get you heading in the right direction and will be a good start for most. Our picks keep these in mind.
Size
Different age groups play with smaller-sized balls, which also includes a women's official-sized game ball vs. a men's official-sized game ball. Here is a breakdown of what each looks like (note: sizes are measured in inches and represent circumference):
- Size 4 (25.5 in. and 14 oz.)—This is the smallest youth basketball, generally ideal for kids aged 5 - 8 years old, and great for both boys or girls.
- Size 5 (26.5 in. and 17 oz.)—The slightly larger basketball is the second youth basketball size and the go-to size for middle schoolers. Perfect for boys or girls aged 9 - 11 years old.
- Size 6 (28.5 in. and 20 oz.)—This ball is the official game ball size for girls and women aged 12 years old and up. It also serves as a great ball for boys from 12 - 14 years old.
- Size 7 (29.5 in. and 22 oz.)—This is the official-sized ball of the NBA and all boys and men 15 years old and up.
Materials
To some, this may seem like an obvious one, but should still be considered when shopping around. Basketballs come in a variety of different materials. However, the most prevalent ones are going to be your synthetic composite material balls, genuine leather, and sometimes you will find some made of rubber, which are often great for kids.
Cost
As with everything that you purchase, you will need to set a budget for yourself. If money is of no issue, genuine leather basketballs can go for a couple of hundred dollars, while composite balls are found at a much more reasonable price. Rubber basketballs are usually the most cost-effective, which is why they make excellent picks.
Playing Surface
This is something you will want to pay attention to when basketball shopping—the court you plan to play on the most. Generally, there are indoor hardwood floor courts and outdoor concrete or blacktop. Most composite balls and rubber basketballs can handle the rough outdoor conditions of mother nature, while other balls are best to be played indoors only. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure the ball you get is designed for your playing preference.
How We Selected
At the heart of what we do at Men's Health is consistent research into all aspects of fitness and wellness, and a good portion of that, at times, falls into the sports category. Our editors have been researching nd evaluating the best basketballs on the market. Each option on this list was ranked based on its size, price, bounce and durability, and general purpose. Through constant testing including multiple games and shooting sessions, we were able to put together a solid list of some of the best basketball options on the market, regardless of whether you have the cash for the official game ball of the NBA, or want something a little easier on the wallet—our list has something for everyone. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Pros
- Official NBA game ball
- Genuine leather
- Excellent durability and air retention
- Exceptional touch and grip once broken in
Cons
- Expensive
- Best used indoors only
- Requires proper break-in time
- Channel seams wear out over time
Yes. Two hundred dollars for a single ball may seem a bit extreme, but if you want the best of the best when it comes to basketballs, then you want the official game ball of the NBA—this masterpiece from Wilson. It's made with genuine leather, which feels a little rough and slick when you first use it. But after the break in period, it only gets more comfortable (and better) with time.
"This is the best ball out there," says Johnson, who's played with every basketball under the sun. "When the NBA switched from Spaulding to Wilson back a few years ago, it was a shock to the system. But I think that players have gotten used to this ball now, and it's got a great feel."
While the price tag is high, this ball is also built to last, too thanks in part to Wilson's 'Ever Bounce,' internal bladder, which helps it retain air better than the rest. One thing we should note is that with this ball, it should only be used for indoor hardwood courts, as the genuine leather can be easily damaged and scuffed when used outdoors.
| Composition | Genuine leather |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 - 29.5" |
| Playing Surface | Indoor |
Pros
- Affordable
- Durability
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Panels may tend to peel after extended use
- May not hold air as well
- Bounce is less than ideal
If you're looking for a better basketball while thinking about cost, this is one of the best budget basketballs you are going to find that still performs like a pricier pick. With a nod towards the official game balls used during NCAA play, this composite basketball can be used for both indoor and outdoor play.
"There's a slightly different texture between this ball amd the official game ball," says Johnson. "But everything else about it is the same, from the size to the seams, which I like with Wilson. They give you a better control of the ball when you're shooting."
Some might feel that a ball under $20 wouldn't last for more than a few weeks, but this ball outlasts the competition and then some. Not only is it durable beyond belief, but it feels and performs like the official game balls thanks to their unique composite material that feels just like leather. If you're a baller on a budget, this is the basketball for you.
| Composition | Composite |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 or 7 - 28.5" or 29.5" |
| Playing Surface | Indoor or Outdoor |
Best Basketball for Indoor or Outdoor Games
Spalding Zi/O Excel TF Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
Pros
- Best ball for indoor-outdoor settings
- Affordable
- Comes inflated and game ready
- Backed by Spalding's warranty
- Available in 29.5" or 28.5"
Cons
- May develop "bubble" deformity after extended use
- Lacks official game ball bounce
Instead of buying a basketball for different occasions, namely indoor or outdoor games, finding one that works in all conditions is a smart investment. This Zi/O ball from Spalding does that with the best of them, essentially serving as a hybrid ball, thanks to its premium composite leather cover.
"I own a few different basketballs, including this Excel from Spalding," says Charles Thorp, the Fitness & Commerce editor at Men's Health. "This ball is good for all occasions, whether I'm meeting up with the boys at the gym or dribbling it over to the courts across the street. And the price point is reasonable, so it's no biggie if it goes missing or gets damaged during a pick-up game.
What really sets this ball apart from others is its internal features as it implements a foam-backed construction which helps it to bounce well on both indoor and most importantly, outdoor courts as well. The slightly tacky feel comes out of the box with minimal break-in time required, so you can get right to your training or games.
| Composition | Composite |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 or 7 - 28.5" or 29.5" |
| Playing Surface | Indoor or Outdoor |
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Pros
- FIBA approved basketball
- Genuine leather
- Pebbled grip offers excellent ball control
Cons
- Best used for indoor games
- Expensive
- Requires some break-in period
- Unique paneling may take some getting used to
In the world of international basketball gameplay, FIBA (International Basketball Federation) is the governing body, and this is the officially recognized ball by that committee. While you may have noticed a slightly different looking ball used during the Olympics, this multi-colored ball is the one the pros use.
"This ball handles very well," says Johnson, who recently had a lot of experience with the Molten while preparing a few players for the Olympics in Paris. "Even though the ball is size 7, it feels smaller in the hand somehow. So it's definitely worth looking at for people who want to play with people from all over the world."
These balls do come with a buyer beware notice too, as counterfeits are quite prevalent, so if you want the official leather ball used during the games, make sure you grab this one -- it comes with an authenticity guarantee. A slightly higher investment, this leather basketball would be an excellent addition to any true ballers collection.
| Composition | Genuine Leather |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 - 29.5" |
| Playing Surface | Indoor |
Pros
- Affordable
- Rubber ball will last forever
- Excellent bounce on outdoor courts
- Can be used indoors as well
Cons
- Arrives deflated
- May develop bubble deformities over long-term use
- Needs more consistent pumping up
For those who love street ball, this is the basketball for you. Nothing super fancy here, just a rubber based basketball that will keep up with your love of the game, while taking a beating in the outdoor elements. Concrete courts and hoops, metal chainlink nets and metal rims, park benches, puddles, no matter what type of court you play on or near, this ball is built to withstand the roughest conditions.
"Back in the day the outdoor basketballs that people were selling wouldn't last longer than a few weeks," says Johnson. "But that's not the case anymore. Big brands like Spalding started to realize the need and designed balls that could withstand the streets, where some real games are being played."
Besides being ever durable, we love the throwback vibes it gives to playing the game growing up as a kid. This would have been the ball you played with at school during recess on a beautiful spring day. Nostalgia exemplified with a super reasonable cost, too.
| Composition | Rubber |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 - 29.5" |
| Playing Surface | Outdoor |
Reviewed byCharles Thorp, NASM
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Expert consulted:Chris Johnson
NBA Master Teacher
Chris Johnson is a NBA Master Teacher who has worked with over 40 NBA players such as LeBron James, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, Dwayne Wade, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Andrew Wiggins, and Tobias Harris to name a few. Johnson’s skill set has taken him across the world, working with athletes from China, Europe, and Australia. In addition, he’s designed innovative training gear for basketball players including the Jushoop Guider and Jushoop Corrective Gloves.
