The 8 Best Basketballs of 2025, According to Basketball Coaches

Basketballs We Also Tested

We tested nine basketballs in total, but only eight impressed us enough to be included on our final list of recommendations. The following basketball had some features worth mentioning, but ultimately didn't meet our rigorous testing requirements.

• Champion Sports' Pro Style Basketball is budget-friendly and has a consistent grip that is unaffected by sweaty hands. However, the tackiness of the surface didn't allow for easy release of the ball, and we experienced hand fatigue during play due to the ball's heavier weight.

What We've Updated

• Since publishing our initial research-based roundup of the best basketballs, we've hands-on tested some of our previous picks as well as some new basketballs for a total of nine tested basketballs. This is now a fully tested article, solely providing our hands-on experience with each recommended basketball.
• Based on our new testing insights, we've reworked some of our superlatives and product picks, including Best Overall, Best Budget, Most Versatile, and more.

What to Look for When Shopping for Basketballs

• Diameter: The size of the basketball you need will depend on the age and skill level of the player. When choosing a basketball for a child just starting, opt for a small ball about 27.5 inches in diameter. For adults, the most common sizes are 27.5, 28.5, and 29.5 inches in diameter. Men’s collegiate and NBA players use a 29.5-inch ball, while the standard size for women’s collegiate and WNBA play is 28.5 inches. 
• Materials: The outer cover of most basketballs is either rubber or composite leather. Rubber balls are lighter and more durable, making them better for outdoor use, says basketball coach Greg Kot. Leather balls are the usual choice for indoor balls, he adds. Consider how you will use the ball most before choosing a material.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Not all basketballs are made for the same purpose. Balls designed exclusively for indoor use are usually made with real or composite leather and are softer and less durable. Balls made for outdoor use are typically made of rubber and are more durable to handle concrete, dirt, and various weather conditions. Outdoor basketballs are often versatile enough to also be used indoors. But indoor balls are usually not durable enough for outdoor use.

How We Tested the Best Basketballs

To find the best basketballs, we spoke with basketball coaches to learn what to look for. Then we tested nine options from top brands while shooting, passing, and dribbling at home. When testing basketballs, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.

• Grip: Finding a ball with a good grip is essential for developing strength, accuracy, and proper form during passing and shooting, says basketball coach Keith Miniscalco. We evaluate the grip of each ball by noting if it feels tacky, smooth, rough, or slick in our hands. While dribbling and shooting with the ball, we determine if the grip is easy to maintain. We also note if the grip changes with sweaty or wet hands.
• Bounce: The bounce is determined by the inflation level and the amount of force a player exerts, says Miniscalco, adding that bounce consistency is important for control. To assess the bounce of each ball, we first note the type of surface we're testing on. We then note if the ball bounces flat or is too bouncy. Is the ball responsive? Does it bounce consistently? Is it easy to control?
• Comfort: A comfortable ball makes it easy to play for a long time. We evaluate the comfort of each ball by noting if we can use it for long sessions of 30 minutes or more without experiencing hand fatigue. We also assess if the ball feels soft and forgiving, or stiff and firm.
• Durability: After multiple uses over several weeks with the ball, we check for any general wear and tear. Is there any peeling or fading? Does the ball show scuff marks, gouges, scratches, or cracks? Does it retain air, or does it need to be re-inflated often? We prioritize balls that hold up well and will last a long time.
• Value: To determine the value of each basketball, we wait until the end of the testing period to check the price. Do we think the basketball is fairly priced based on its performance? Would we only buy this basketball if it were on sale? We also consider whether we'd recommend the basketball to friends and family.

Our Experts

We reached out to experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Our expert basketball coaches pointed out features that set various basketballs apart, and helped us understand what to look for when shopping for a basketball. While our final selections are independent, these experts served as a guiding force in our decision-making process. 

• Greg Kot, former co-owner and basketball coach at Over the Edge travel basketball organization
• Keith Miniscalco, owner and basketball coach at Over the Edge travel basketball organization

Frequently Asked Questions

Which basketball do NBA players use?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) uses Wilson basketballs.

What ball do the Olympics use for basketball?

The official basketball of both men's and women's Olympic competition is a Molten brand ball. This is the official ball of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) that governs international competitions.

How do I choose a good basketball?

Choosing a good basketball starts with knowing what you want to do with it. Do you plan on using it indoors versus outdoors? For casual pickup games or league play? There are also several sizes to consider: 27.5 inches for children under age 9, 28.5 inches for ages 9 to 12, or 29.5 inches for ages 13 and up.

How heavy should my basketball be?

Basketballs vary in weight and can be anywhere from 10 ounces to 22 ounces. Younger players should select a basketball that weighs between 10 and 16 ounces. Adults can opt for options that weigh 20 to 22 ounces.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a Verywell Fit writer with 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. As a certified exercise physiologist and avid runner, she specializes in testing fitness and recovery gear, including walking sandals, ankle support shoes, massage guns, and more. For this article, she spoke with basketball coaches to gain a deeper understanding of the features to look for in high-quality basketballs.