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The Best Outdoor Basketballs

Last updated on August 25, 2022

We looked at the top 9 Outdoor Basketballs and dug through the reviews from 22 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Outdoor Basketballs.

Our Review Process

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If you’re a basketball player, you know the frustration of finding your ball flat or partially deflated. That’s one reason it’s a good idea to have multiple balls: you’ll always have one ready to go. The first step in finding the right basketball is considering how you’ll use the ball. If you primarily play outdoors, you’ll want to search for balls specifically made for outdoor play. Otherwise, the balls may not live up to your expectations due to their differences in quality.

If you have a family and are looking for a basketball that your kids can use to practice, you’ll want to start your search by looking for kids basketballs. These smaller balls often come in sizes labeled 3 through 6. A standard size is a size 7 for basketballs.

NBA basketballs are all the same size and from the same manufacturer, and they are inflated to an exact PSI to ensure a fair game. Some differences in balls are due to the materials from which they are made. Some balls, like Wilson and Spalding, are made from rubber, whereas others are advertised as being made from leather. Official NBA balls are made from leather to make them less slippery for indoor use.

Our Picks For The Top Outdoor Basketballs

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

WILSON NCAA Killer Crossover Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

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WILSON

NCAA Killer Crossover Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

If you're looking for a new basketball that meets your b-ball needs, look no further than Wilson's NCAA Outdoor Basketballs. With designs including classic and black and white, you're sure to find something that works for your aesthetic.

Overall Take

For Your Neighborhood CourtThis ball is designed for adult use due to its standard size.

Pros
" A 29.5-inch basketball in size 7. Made with a rubber exterior for casual outdoor and indoor play. Features 16 panels and a sturdy core with bounce. Available in 6 color combinations. Has a deep texture for better ball control."
Cons
"One size"
 Runner Up

Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball,  28.5-Inch

Spalding

Street Outdoor Basketball, 28.5-Inch

Spalding's basketball features an official size and weight: size seven, at 29.5 inches. Its classic orange and black design will take your game to the next level.

Overall Take

Long-Lasting DurabilitySpalding also offers accessories such as ball pumps and nets.

Pros
" Made with a high-performance rubber cover, it bounces consistently and is rugged enough to handle asphalt and concrete courts."
Cons
"If you are used to high-quality composite basketballs, the rougher, pebbled rubber surface just doesn’t feel right."
 We Also Like

Chance Premium-Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

Chance

Premium-Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

This Chance basketball is perfect for the whole family. This rubber ball has the perfect grip, and they offer five bright designs and three sizes to choose from.

Overall Take

Every Size and DesignChance's ball is also suitable for indoor use.

Pros
" Available in 5 color options (making it easier to find your ball among the standard orange ones) and 3 sizes. Easy to grip. Risk-free return policy should you decide it's not the right ball for you."
Cons
"Doesn’t come with a pump or needle"
 Strong Contender

Wisdom Leaves Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 27.5-Inch

Wisdom Leaves

Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 27.5-Inch

Wisdom Leaves Rubber Basketball offers five designs, from a striking grey to bubblegum pink, and has something for everyone. This ball is a size 5, great for kids learning the game.

Overall Take

New Designs for KidsThis ball is 100% leather.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
16

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the outdoor basketballs available to purchase.
9

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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22

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Verywell Fit, Hoops Beast, Sports Illustrated Reviews, Baller Instinct.

33,109

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 9 Outdoor Basketballs and also dug through the reviews from 22 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Outdoor Basketballs.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Wisdom Leaves Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 27.5-Inch

User Summarized Score

9.2
545 user reviews

Our Take

Wisdom Leaves Rubber Basketball offers five designs, from a striking grey to bubblegum pink, and has something for everyone. This ball is a size 5, great for kids learning the game.

What to Look For

  • Handle different-sized basketballs to ensure you have the correct size.
  • Incorrect sizing can lead to incorrect techniques, so you want to size your ball properly.
  • Determine whether indoor or outdoor is right for you by considering how you’ll use the basketball.
  • Rubber basketballs often have superior grip, if that is an essential factor for you.
  • Balls also come in composite materials, often labeled “synthetic basketballs.”
  • Basketball prices come in a wide range, depending on materials, brand and design.
  • You can break basketballs into three categories: recreational, match, and training. These each have different builds for the basketball.
  • When finding suitable material for your ball, look for the words “cover material” to ensure you choose the correct material.

Outdoor Basketball Rankings

2. Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball, 28.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 5

3. Chance Premium-Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

4. Wisdom Leaves Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 27.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

5. MacGregor Multi-Color Outdoor Basketballs, 6-Pack

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 3

7. Senston Premium-Rubber Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 4

8. AND1 Street Grip Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 2

9. Nike Baller Full-Sized Outdoor Basketball, 29.5-Inch

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 3

More to Explore

Basketball was first played in 1891 and was invented by a Canadian- American physical education teacher in Massachusetts named James Naismith. Naismith needed an indoor game to keep his athletes in shape during the bitter New England winter at the YMCA International Training School. His boss stipulated that the game should be fair to all players and not too rough. Naismith went about creating a new game and eventually came up with the game of basketball.

Within 2 years, the game took off, and by 1893 the YMCA started promoting it internationally. The popularity grew, and by 1936 basketball was an official Olympic sport, played at the Summer Olympics in Berlin.

More to explore