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All basketball lovers know how important it is to have one of the best basketballs that suits one’s style and skill level. Basketball is a fun sport to play with friends or family and a great way to stay fit and healthy. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you need a durable, affordable, and comfortable basketball.
That’s why we at Reliable Sporting have done the hard work for you and tested dozens of basketballs from the best brands in the industry. We consulted with basketball coaches, who shared their expert tips on what to look for when buying a basketball. We also read hundreds of customer reviews and feedback to determine what real users think of each ball. We compared each basketball based on four criteria: material, price, grip, and size. We then selected the best basketballs in each category and ranked them according to their overall quality and performance.
We’ll discuss our top picks for the best basketballs in this blog post and why we believe they’re worth the money. We will also advise you on choosing the right basketball for your needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a ball for indoor or outdoor use, for kids or adults, or for casual or competitive play, we have got you covered. Read on to find out more!
- The 9 Best Basketballs
- Overall Best Basketball: Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
- Best Basketball in Budget: Champion Sports Official Heavy Duty Rubber Cover Nylon Basketball
- Best Basketball for Indoor: Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
- Best Basketball for Outdoor: Spalding NBA Street Basketball
- Best Basketball for Training: SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball
- Best Basketball for Design: Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor/Indoor Basketball
- Best Basketball for Water: Dunnrite 9” Pool/Water Basketball
- Best Basketball for Young Kids: Spalding Rookie Gear Indoor/Outdoor Composite 27.5 Youth Basketball
- Best Basketball for Older Kids: Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball, Intermediate Size 7
- Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Basketball
- Conclusion
The 9 Best Basketballs
Here is our ranking of the top 9 basketballs for each category this year:
- Overall Best Basketball: Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
- Best Basketball in Budget: Champion Sports Official Heavy Duty Rubber Cover Nylon Basketball
- Best Basketball for Indoor: Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
- Best Basketball for Outdoor: Spalding NBA Street Basketball
- Best Basketball for Training: SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball
- Best Basketball for Design: Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor/Indoor Basketball
- Best Basketball for Water: Dunnrite 9” Pool/Water Basketball
- Best Basketball for Young Kids: Spalding Rookie Gear Indoor/Outdoor Composite 27.5 Youth Basketball
- Best Basketball for Older Kids: Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball, Intermediate Size 7
Below, you can learn about each ball mentioned above in more detail. We’ve reviewed every one of them. Please read carefully to understand what best suits your interests before buying. Enjoy!
Overall Best Basketball: Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball
This basketball is our favorite because it can handle any game, whether on the street or in the gym. Its composite faux leather cover with pebbling gives you the proper grip and bounce for indoor and outdoor play.
It also comes with a sponge inner core, making it lighter and more durable. Plus, it’s already inflated when you get it, so you don’t have to worry about pumping it up. If you’re looking for a high-quality ball that can do it all, this is the one for you.
Why We Love It: It’s a rugged, versatile ball that works well on any surface. It has a soft and flexible cover that feels great in your hands.
What to Watch Out For: It only comes in one size and is more expensive than other balls.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Composite faux leather
- Use: Outdoor/Indoor
- Size: 29.5-inch diameter
Best Basketball in Budget: Champion Sports Official Heavy Duty Rubber Cover Nylon Basketball
Want to enjoy some basketball action in the water? Then, you need a ball that can handle the pool environment. The Dunnrite Pool/Water basketball is an excellent choice for water lovers, as it is resistant to fading, deflating, and damage from sun and chlorine. It also has a one-year warranty from the manufacturer for extra peace of mind.
The ball is 9 inches in diameter, which makes it ideal for kids and pool hoops. It has a textured surface that prevents it from slipping out of your hands in the water. You can have fun shooting hoops or playing with your friends in the pool with this durable and easy-to-use ball.
The only downside is that the ball arrives without air, so you must inflate it before using it in the water.
Why We Love It: Comes in 5 sizes and 7 color options. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
What to Watch Out For: Comes deflated and may lose air over time.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Rubber
- Use: Indoor/Outdoor
- Size: 23, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5, 33-inch Diameters
Best Basketball for Indoor: Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
The Wilson Official Evolution Basketball is a top choice for indoor players who want to improve their skills. This ball has a unique Cushion Core Technology that combines two types of rubber for a soft touch and long-lasting quality.
The ball’s microfiber cover has high-definition pebbling, giving it an excellent grip and control on indoor courts. The ball also has composite laid-in channels that enhance its consistent texture and feel. The Evolution is more expensive than other balls, but it’s a worthwhile investment for serious players.
Why We Love It: Great grip, Soft touch, Long-lasting.
What to Watch Out For: Indoor usage only, Higher cost.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Microfiber cover
- Use: Indoor
- Size: 27.5, 28.5, 29.5-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Outdoor: Spalding NBA Street Basketball
An excellent choice for playing outside is the Spalding NBA Street Basketball. Thanks to its sturdy rubber cover, this ball can withstand rough surfaces like concrete and asphalt. It also has broad and deep channels that give you a good grip on the ball. You don’t need to wait for it to break in, as it works well as soon as you take it out of the package. You can start practicing your dribbling and shooting skills right away.
The Spalding NBA Street Basketball is available in three sizes, so you can find the one that suits your (or your kid’s) age and ability. This high-quality basketball won’t cost you a fortune, and it’s perfect for outdoor use.
Why We Love It: Ideal for outdoor use, Good grip and bounce.
What to Watch Out For: Needs inflation.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Rubber
- Use: Outdoor
- Size: 27.5, 28.5, 29.5-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Training: SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball
The SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball is designed to aid kids in learning proper shooting form. Featuring suitable- and left-hand prints in different colors, it guides hand placement, and yellow and orange stripes indicate ball spin direction, helping young players develop the proper arc and backspin. This basketball is an effective and enjoyable training tool for improving shooting accuracy and form among young players, making learning more fun and educational.
Why We Love It: Good for indoor and outdoor, Perfect for training young kids, Suitable for both right and left-handers.
What to Watch Out For: Only one size is available.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Rubber
- Use: Indoor/Outdoor
- Size: 27-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Design: Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor/Indoor Basketball
The Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor/Indoor Basketball is a top choice for stylish design and durability. Available in various colors and patterns, including camo, stripes, and animal prints, it caters to diverse preferences. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ball is suitable for skill development in kids, featuring deep channels and an aggressive pebble pattern for enhanced grip and control. It is offered in three sizes and requires self-inflation but maintains consistent bounce and shape over time due to its reliable bladder. It combines style, durability, and performance for an enjoyable basketball experience.
Why We Love It: Stylish and fun designs, Durable and versatile for any court, Great grip and control.
What to Watch Out For: Needs to be inflated manually; pump and needle are not included.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Rubber
- Use: Indoor/Outdoor
- Size: 27.5, 28.5, 29.5-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Water: Dunnrite 9” Pool/Water Basketball
Want to enjoy some basketball action in the water? Then, you need a ball that can handle the pool environment. The Dunnrite Pool/Water basketball is an excellent choice for water lovers, as it is resistant to fading, deflating, and damage from sun and chlorine. It also has a one-year warranty from the manufacturer for extra peace of mind.
The ball is 9 inches in diameter, which makes it ideal for kids and pool hoops. It has a textured surface that prevents it from slipping out of your hands in the water. You can have fun shooting hoops or playing with your friends in the pool with this durable and easy-to-use ball.
The only downside is that the ball arrives without air, so you must inflate it before using it in the water.
Why We Love It: Durable and resistant to pool conditions, suitable for kids and pool hoops, and texted for better grip.
What to Watch Out For: Needs inflation before use.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Rubber
- Use: Water
- Size: 9-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Young Kids: Spalding Rookie Gear Indoor/Outdoor Composite 27.5 Youth Basketball
A great way to introduce young kids to basketball is to give them the right equipment that suits their age and skill level. The Spalding Rookie Gear, Youth Indoor-Outdoor basketball, is a perfect choice for 4 to 7-year-olds who want to have fun and learn the basics of the game.
This ball has a vibrant color that attracts kids’ attention and a smaller size that fits their hands comfortably. It is also lighter and softer than regular rubber balls, so it bounces well and does not hurt when catching or dribbling.
The ball has a high-quality composite leather cover with good grip and durability. It can be used on any surface, indoors or outdoors, without losing its shape or performance. This ball is ideal for young kids who want to enjoy basketball and improve their skills with a reliable and versatile ball.
Why We Love It: Suitable for indoor or outdoor play, Good fit for young kids, Soft, sturdy cover.
What to Watch Out For: It is more expensive than other youth balls.
Key Characteristics:
- Material: Composite Leather
- Use: Indoor/Outdoor
- Size: 27.5-inch diameters
Best Basketball for Older Kids: Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball, Intermediate Size 7
An excellent basketball for older kids who want to improve their skills is the Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover basketball. This ball has an Optima rubber cover that makes it durable and gives it a smooth bounce. The ball also has wide channels that help you control and grip the ball better when you are dribbling, passing, and shooting.
The Killer Crossover has an excellent design with bright colors that make it easy to see. Whether you are playing at a park or practicing with your team, this ball is perfect for kids aged 8 to 12.
Why We Love It: Great grip, Awesome look.
What to Watch Out For: Only for outdoor use.
Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Basketball
With so many options available, how do you choose the best basketball for your needs and preferences? To select the best basketball, you first must understand precisely what the term ‘best basketball’ means.
Whatever is the best basketball for you might not be very useful to someone else. There are many factors to consider when determining the best basketball for oneself. The details below will guide you to view all the options and find the best basketball that matches your preferences.
Basketball Sizes
The first thing to think about is what size of basketball you need. Playing with an incorrectly sized ball can negatively affect your technique and performance. Different sizes of basketballs are designed for varying levels of play and age groups. Here are the most common sizes and who they are suitable for:
- Size 7: The standard size for men’s professional basketball leagues, such as the NBA, FIBA, and NBL. It’s about 29.5 inches around and weighs 22 ounces. It is also used for men’s college, high school, and youth leagues for players 12 and older.
- Size 6: The standard size for women’s professional basketball leagues, such as the WNBA and FIBA 3×3. It has a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight of 20 ounces. It is also used for women’s college, high school, and youth leagues for players 12 and older and for co-ed or mixed-gender leagues.
- Size 5: This is ideal for younger players 8 or older. Its circumference is 27.5 inches, and its weight is 14 to 16 ounces. It is easier to handle and shoot for kids still developing their skills and strengths.
- Size 4: This is a smaller size for children who are 6 years old or younger. It has a circumference of 25.5 inches and a weight of 14 ounces. It is perfect for introducing kids to the game and helping them learn the basics.
- Size 3: This is also known as a mini basketball. It has a circumference of 22.5 inches and a weight of 10 ounces. It is mainly used for fun or as a souvenir item, but it can also be used for training by players of any age.
Basketball Materials
The next thing to consider is what material your basketball is made of. Different materials have different characteristics that affect the ball’s feel, durability, and performance. The most common materials are:
- Leather: For basketballs, this is the best material available. It provides the materials the best feel, grip, and bounce. It does cost more than the others, though, and needs some break-in time to reach peak performance. Leather basketballs should only be used indoors because they are easily damaged by outdoor surfaces.
- Composite: This synthetic material mimics the feel and appearance of leather. It is more affordable and durable than leather and does not require a break-in period. Composite basketballs can be used indoors or outdoors but perform better indoors.
- Rubber: This is the cheapest and most durable material for basketballs. It can withstand rough outdoor surfaces and weather conditions without losing shape or quality. However, it also has the worst feel and grip of any material and can be hard on your hands. Rubber basketballs are mainly used outdoors or by beginners not concerned about performance.
Basketball Use
The final factor to consider is where you will be playing with your basketball. Different courts affect your ball differently, so you must choose one that matches your playing environment. A simple way to put it is that courts can be divided into two groups:
- Indoor: These are courts covered by a roof or a structure, such as gyms, arenas, or schools. Indoor courts have smooth wooden floors that consistently bounce and traction for your ball. Indoor courts require basketballs that have soft covers that can grip the floor well and offer reasonable control and accuracy.
- Outdoor: These courts are exposed to elements like parks, driveways, or streets. Outdoor courts have rough concrete or asphalt surfaces that can wear out your ball quickly and affect its bounce and grip. Outdoor courts require basketballs that have tough covers that can resist abrasion and damage from the ground.
Some basketballs are explicitly designed for indoor or outdoor use, while others are versatile enough for use in both environments. If you play primarily in one type of court, choose a basketball that suits that court best. If you play in both types of courts, select a basketball that can handle both conditions well.
Choosing the best basketball for your game depends on several factors, such as size, material, and use. By following this guide, you can find the perfect basketball for your level of play and playing style. Always check the specifications and reviews of the basketballs you are interested in before buying them, and take good care of your ball once you have it. Happy hooping!
Conclusion
You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on the 9 best basketballs of 2024. Whether you’re looking for a durable, high-performance, or stylish basketball, we’ve got you covered.
Our top pick is the Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball, which offers impressive bounce, grip, and durability. It’s perfect for any surface and any skill level. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can go right with the Champion Sports Official Heavy Duty Rubber Cover Nylon Basketball. It’s an excellent value for money and can withstand rough play.
And if you want to spice up your game with unique designs, colors, or features, check out our other recommendations. You’ll find something for everyone, from kids to adults, indoor to outdoor, water to training. You’ll have a blast playing with it no matter what kind of basketball you choose.
Thanks for trusting Reliable Sporting as your source of authentic reviews of sporting goods. We’re here to help you get the best value for your money and have fun.
