The 7 Best Pickleballs (Indoor + Outdoor)

The Franklin X-40 is the best all-around USAPA-approved pickleball for most players. Other excellent brands to consider include Onix, Gamma, Franklin, and Jugs Sports.

Factors to consider when choosing a pickleball include indoor versus outdoor use, durability, and price considerations.

Our Picks for the Best Outdoor Pickleballs

1. Franklin X-40 Oudoor Pickleballs

The X-40 Performance Outdoor Pickleballs are perfect for tough outdoor courts, thanks to their durable build.

They’re designed to fly straight and stay consistent with their precision-drilled holes, and their bright colors make them easy to spot in any weather. Plus, these balls are built to last, made from a one-piece mold with 40 holes, meeting official bounce standards.

With a size of 2.91″ and a weight of about 0.88 ounces, they’re just what you need for a solid game. And, you can grab them in packs of 3, 6, 12, or even 100, so you’re always ready to play.

2. Wilson Tru 32 Pro Outdoor Balls

The Wilson TRU 32 PRO is your go-to for high-speed, lively outdoor pickleball action. It’s a step up from the original, built for extra responsiveness and designed to keep up with competitive play. Thanks to its true-flight design and durable build, it’s ready for frequent use and comes in an easy-to-spot neon red.

With a 32-hole pattern for reliable flight and a textured surface perfect for pro players who love adding a spin to their shots, this ball is a game-changer. Plus, it’s tournament-approved, making it a top pick for serious players looking for a ball that can match their pace and enhance their game.

3. Selkirk Pro s1 Outdoor Pickleballs

The Selkirk Pro S1 Pickleball is a game-changer; with its innovative, patented design, this ball guarantees consistent flight and bounce, plus unmatched durability – so much so, it comes with a 1-Year No-Crack Warranty.

Thanks to seamless rotomolding technology, it’s perfectly round, balanced, and designed for faster play, precise spins, and longer life. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the Pro S1 keeps its shape, ensuring a satisfying game every time. Its advanced aerodynamic design, featuring a patented 38-hole pattern, promises a reliable ball flight for every shot.

4. Core Outdoor Balls

Our team gave these CORE Outdoor Pickleballs two thumbs up for high-level play, noting their seamless, one-piece design. Despite a slight parting line, the inside reveals a smooth, unified construction.

On the court, these balls are lively, fun, and fast, fitting right into the ‘Pro Tournament’ vibe. What really impressed us? Their durability. These neon green champs are some of the toughest balls we’ve put to the test, perfect for both competitive and recreational play.

They’re wind-resistant, consistent in flight and bounce, and easily visible on any court, making them a reliable choice for any weather or game intensity.

Our Picks for the Best Indoor Pickleballs

1. Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleballs

The ONIX Fuse Indoor Pickleballs are your go-to for tournament prep, with a standout yellow color that pops on any court.

Bigger holes than the outdoor versions mean a game pace that’s just right. Made with an injection-mold process, they promise a consistent feel every time. Ready for official play but still fun for every rally.

2. GAMMA Photon Indoor Pickleballs

The Gamma Photon Indoor Pickleball is a solid pick for anyone who loves the game. It’s the perfect size and weight for official play, easy to see in any setting thanks to its super bright color, and it bounces just right on any indoor surface.

With 26 precisely drilled holes, you’ll find it super easy to control and direct. If you’re into the pace of outdoor balls but need something for indoors, you’re going to love the Gamma Photon.

3. Franklin X-26 Indoor Balls

The X-26 is all about durability and great play. Made from top-notch EVA material, it offers awesome bounce and a responsive feel. With its 26 beveled holes, it flies straight and stays balanced, making early breakage a thing of the past.

It’s perfect for indoor tournaments, meeting USAPA standards with its 26-gram weight and 74 mm diameter. Plus, its bright colors keep it visible in any setting, from gym floors to concrete. A reliable pick for anyone wanting a ball that’s both official and adaptable.

How to Choose a Pickleball?

As you level up in your pickleball game, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with USAPA-approved gear—this is the equipment you’ll be using in tournaments.

Here’s a quick rundown of the specs that an official pickleball needs to meet according to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) standards:

Specification	Requirement
Diameter	2.87 inches (7.29 cm) to 2.97 inches (7.54 cm)
Weight	0.78 to 0.935 ounces
Number of Holes	26 to 40 circular holes
Hole Spacing & Design	Must ensure consistent flight characteristics

In addition to these size and design specs, USAPA also sets guidelines for the ball’s bounce, hardness, and overall design to ensure fair and standardized play.

When picking the best pickleball for your needs, consider factors like indoor vs. outdoor play, color visibility, performance, price, and how long it lasts.

1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Are you selecting a ball for indoor play or outdoor play? Due to the difference in court surfaces and conditions between indoor courts and outdoor courts, the pickleball themselves are actually quite different.

Indoor pickleball are lighter and made of softer plastic. This makes them easier to control. They also have larger holes than balls for outdoor use. This increases their drag, making it harder for pickleball players to generate power.

Outdoor pickleball have smaller holes and are heavier. This is to allow them to resist the wind more in outdoor matches. They are also harder. This is crucial for durability, as the rough playing surface of outdoor courts will rip up and damage a pickleball much quicker than the comparatively smooth surface of indoor courts.

2. Performance vs. Price Point

As with any sports equipment, you’ll need to keep your budget in mind when buying pickleball for your training sessions and game play.

Cheaper balls will wear out quicker but are less of an investment, making them better for beginners who aren’t sure how long they will play the game.

More expensive balls are used for USAPA-approved tournament play. These balls provide a longer lifespan and a more consistent bounce on the pickleball court. If you are buying balls for a club, often join tournaments, or are a player of a higher skill level, it makes sense to invest in higher quality equipment.

4. Choosing a Color

Typically, you’ll find official balls in one of three shades: a neon green or lime green color, bright yellow, or white. Neon orange balls and red or fuchsia balls are also available.

There is no difference in performance between these balls. They have the same injection-molded construction, so the matter of color purely comes down to preference. The primary question you should ask yourself is: which color do you find easiest to see?

What pickleballs does our team use on the court?

When it comes to indoor pickleball, the Gamma Photon is my top pick for its perfect blend of visibility, control, and speed, making every game enjoyable and competitive. We rated the Onix Fuse higher simply because more people in the office prefers it for indoor play.

For the outdoors, the X-40 Performance balls are unmatched in durability and performance, ensuring a great playing experience on any outdoor court.