When it comes to pickleball, having the right paddle and shoes is essential — but your ball choice can make or break your game. Whether you’re hitting the court for fun or competing seriously, the quality of the ball plays a critical role in speed, spin, bounce, and control. That’s why we dug deep into this overlooked corner of the gear world to help you find the best pickleball balls to play with in 2025.
What Makes a Great Pickleball Ball?
A top-performing pickleball ball is more than just plastic and holes. Everything — from material to hole size to how it’s molded — affects gameplay. The best ball for you depends on your playing style, skill level, and whether you’re competing indoors or outdoors.
Key Features to Look For
- Material: Polypropylene is softer (better for indoors), polyethylene offers a balanced bounce, and ABS plastic is the most durable — ideal for outdoor use.
- Firmness: A good ball should resist denting. Soft balls tend to develop dead spots quickly.
- Hole Design: Clean, evenly spaced holes are critical for flight balance. More holes often mean faster gameplay.
- Molding Method: Rotational-molded balls are seamless and longer-lasting. Injection-molded balls offer better bounce but may split sooner.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Indoor balls are lighter and bounce better on gym floors. Outdoor balls are heavier, harder, and built to handle wind and concrete.
Our Selection Process
We consulted with Men’s Health editors, regular pickleball players, and online reviewers. After testing more than 15 top-rated options, these 8 balls stood out for their performance, value, and durability.
The Best Pickleball Balls in 2025
Best Overall Pickleball Ball
Franklin Sports X-40 Pickleballs (Bucket of 36)
- USAPA approved
- 40 machine-drilled holes for precise flight
- Durable build with great spin control
- Comes in five bright colors
- Bulk pricing makes it affordable
Franklin’s X-40 continues to dominate the game. It’s durable, tournament-ready, and offers consistent play for both intermediate and advanced users. Not ideal for indoor courts, but nearly perfect everywhere else.
Best for Beginners
Wilson Tru 32 Ball (2-Pack)
- USAPA approved
- Soft feel, ideal for casual play
- Unique 32-hole design for better air flow
- Made in the USA
If you’re new to pickleball, the Tru 32 is a great place to start. It’s affordable, easy to track in flight, and soft enough to learn on — without sacrificing bounce or playability.
Best for Competitive Players
Onix Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs
- USAPA approved
- Hard construction for fast play
- Excellent responsiveness to spin
- Durable for outdoor use
The Dura Fast 40 is a pro-level ball that rewards precision and power. It’s not beginner-friendly — but if you’re serious about elevating your game, this is the one to train with.
Best New Entry
PCKL Optic Speed Pickleballs (4-Pack)
- USAPA approved
- Premium build quality
- Balanced bounce and control
- Comes in multiple color options
PCKL has burst onto the scene with quality gear — and these balls are no exception. Great for intermediate and advanced play, with bounce and responsiveness that comes close to Franklin’s X-40.
Best Indoor Ball
Jugs Sport Pickleballs (12-Pack)
- Not USAPA approved
- Lighter build with wider holes for better bounce indoors
- Soft plastic reduces odd hops on gym floors
- Budget-friendly and great for casual games
Jugs balls are indoor legends. They play consistently on smooth floors and offer soft contact ideal for rallies, drills, and casual indoor matches — just don’t bring them to a tournament.
Most Durable Ball
Onix Fuse G2 Pickleballs (6-Pack)
- USAPA approved
- Excellent longevity and consistency
- Designed for outdoor play in all conditions
Durability meets performance with the Fuse G2. These balls are built to last and hold up beautifully under harsh conditions — including wind, rough surfaces, and aggressive play styles.
Best Bulk Option
Wilson Tru 32 Ball (48-Ball Case)
- USAPA approved
- Ideal for coaching or large families
- Great value at about $3.65 per ball
Need a lot of balls? Wilson’s bulk pack delivers durability, easy tracking, and a comfortable bounce for a crowd. Perfect for schools, rec leagues, or teaching sessions.
Best Hybrid Ball
Selkirk SLK Hybrid Indoor & Outdoor Pickleball (6-Pack)
- USAPA approved
- Plays well on any surface
- Durable matte finish
- Not designed for serious competition
The SLK Hybrid lets you switch from indoor to outdoor play without changing your gear. While it lacks the finesse of specialized balls, the versatility and convenience make it a solid all-around choice.
Final Thoughts
With pickleball continuing to grow, choosing the right ball is more important than ever. Whether you’re gearing up for your first match or training for your next tournament, there’s a perfect ball for your game — and now you know exactly where to find it.
