Basketballs range in size, material - rubber, leather or synthetic, and durability. Here we do the work in listing the top balls in your price range, pros and cons, so you can make the right selection.
Have fun dunking!
So what makes a good basketball?
- Sizing - Make sure it's appropriate for the goal size and your league.
- Material - The best and most durable are leather, but there’s also rubber or synthetic.
- Color - This is important in competition to meet guidelines.
- Durability - Is it going to last long? Are you going to get value for money?
What size basketball should I have?
The three most common sizes are:
- Size 7 - 29.5" circumference, mostly used by adult men at league standard
- Size 6 - 28.5", generally suited to women and youth leagues.
- Size 5 - 27.5" most commonly used by younger children under 9.
Our top all-round pick is the Spalding NBA Zi/O
Top 3 basketballs under $20
1. Spalding NBA Street Basketball - Official Size 7 (29.5")
Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball on Amazon
This rubber, orange outdoor basketball is durable with a deep channel design for easy handling.
Pros:
- Good bounce and excellent grip even with sweaty hands, with a quality rubber feel.
- Hardwearing for price category.
- Little manufacturing packaging – we like it for environmental reasons.
- For the price a great ball for outdoor play.
Cons:
- Some reporting doesn’t hold air as well, needs regular pumping up.
- Can wear quicker than other balls, and change to a more oblong shape, may need replacing sooner.
Why we like it?
Overall for the price you are paying, it’s a good option, combining good grip, bounce, and durability.
2. Spalding NBA Courtside Team Outdoor Basketball
Spalding NBA Courtside Team Outdoor Basketball on Amazon
If you’re looking to stand out from the rest and follow Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, or Toronto Raptors, then choose your team ball here. Official size 29.5”.
Pros:
- Great bounce and grip, grip stays even after good use.
- Logo branded, you choose your team ball. Can equally be used as sports memorabilia by buying a display holder. Great gift idea!
- Shipped blown up but may need a bit of air on arrival.
Cons:
- Cheaper version of the official Spading ball.
- Logo can fade fast if you are using the ball with heavy use, also some balls the logo has been reported as being a bit off-center.
Why we like it?
If you want value for money then you’ve found your ball. Also comes boxed so it can equally be used as a display item.
3. Spalding NBA Varsity Outdoor Basketball
Spalding NBA Varsity Outdoor Basketball on Amazon
This ball is suited for beginners and is affordable. It's designed for outdoor use, with good channeling.
Pros:
- Great quality, doesn’t have the cheap ball feel for the price.
- Great grip and bounce, durable rubber.
- If you are into color then these come in fashion colors – blue, green, orange, yellow.
- Medium bounce.
Cons:
- Not as good value for money compared to others within this price range
- Doesn’t maintain inflation well to 8psi.
- Could come with some scuff marks.
Why we like it?
Not only does this ball look the part, but the sizing is one below the professional court size ball (28.5") it's good quality at a competitive price, recommended if you are looking for a ball with good bounce and good grip.
Top Three Balls Under $50
4. Customized personalized Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Outdoor Basketball
Customized personalized Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Outdoor Basketball on Amazon
The Spalding NBA Game Ball has the qualities and features of a professional NBA basketball such as composite leather and deep channels for easy grip, which allows you to train and shoot like a professional.
Pros:
- Above average feel and grip
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
- High quality composite leather which reuses old leather ensures toughness and durability for long lasting use.
Cons:
- May require frequent inflation
- Any moisture on the ball can make it slippery
Why we like it?
Suited for both indoor and outdoor play, it has a great feel when handling. If you’re a classic basketball player and prefer traditional channel designs, this ball will suit your preferences.
5. SKLZ Control Training Basketball for Improving Dribbling and Ball Control
SKLZ Control Training Basketball on Amazon
Constructed from high-quality synthetic leather, this ball is designed to improve dribbling skills. You can choose the ball’s weight, light, official or heavy. With the use of the heavy ball, it can increase your wrist and shoulder strength.
Pros:
- Specifically designed to improve dribbling skills, when you switch back to a regular ball should be quicker and more controlled.
- High quality synthetic leather.
- Good bounce.
- Doubles up as a medicine ball for sit-ups or working into the obliques, an extra bonus!
Cons:
- ‘Light’ option ball not suitable for professional gameplay as the ball is too light, and does not meet NBA standards required for gameplay.
- Grip might not be as good as other balls.
- May require frequent inflation.
Why we like it?
Designed to improve your skills for dribbling, passing, and hand ball control due. It’s worth the money if you want to improve and develop your overall game.
6. Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor 29.5" Basketball
Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor-Outdoor 29.5" Basketball on Amazon
Featuring composite leather, which in effect reuses old leather and Polyurethane (PU) . This ball has a deep channel design.
Pros:
- The deep channel design ensures good grip and dribbling.
- Meets strict standards set by the NBA.
- Composite leather ensures durability with a soft leather feel – feels like an authentic NBA indoor basketball.
Cons:
- Collects dirt due to composite material used. So perhaps better suited for indoor use here.
- Some reports that it doesn't bounce as well as other balls and needs constant inflation.
Why we like it?
This ball meets official NBA standards. If you want a ball that you can use for both indoor and outdoor use, and will last long, then this might be the ideal solution. One of the best basketballs in this price range.
Let us know your preferred outdoor basketball.
