Best Basketball 2021: Top Picks For Indoor And Outdoor Courts

There's a lot to factor in when searching for the best basketball, particularly due to the wide variety of styles to choose from, all differing in price.

To help kick off your search, we've put together this list based on features, price, and reviews, highlighting some of the subtle differences that, we think, make each of these items stand out from the crowd.

So, if you're after something well-rounded to play indoors, like Spalding Zi/O Excel, or you're searching for something to help you as a beginner, like this SportimeMax Hands-On Basketball, then we've got you covered right here.

Best Basketball

Best All-Round Basketball - Spalding Zi/O Excel

Brand: Spalding | Material: Composite | Size: 6

Spalding has been a sports equipment manufacturer since 1876 and has become renowned for its high-quality, durable basketballs.

The Spalding Zi/O Excel is no exception thanks to its durable composite leather cover which should increase this ball's lifespan for both indoor and outdoor use and is, therefore, one of the reasons why it is a great all-rounder to accompany your top basketball shoes.

Moreover, it comes with deep seems to make it easier to handle and a foam backing designed to create a soft feel as well as to increase grip levels which are necessary as you pass, dribble and shoot.

All in all, the Zi/O Excel combines Spaldings expertise into one amazing basketball, much like they do with their American football featured in our best American football list.

Best Indoor Basketball - Wilson Evolution Game Basketball

Best basketball Wilson product image of a classic orange and black ball — Image Credit: Wilson

Brand: Wilson | Material: Evo Microfiber | Size: 7

This official NBA-sized basketball is one of the top, microfiber options for when you want to take your game to an indoor court.

The Wilson Evolution is the ball of choice for many high school and college players due to the Cushion Core technology which has been engineered to be soft to hold as well as extremely responsive to dribble with.

The microfiber cover comes with deep pebbling to maximise the friction with your hand which should ultimately improve your control over the ball, a key skill if you're a point guard for example.

On the whole, the Wilson Evolution is a great option for indoor use and it comes in a variety of sizes as well to suit all age groups.

Best Outdoor Basketball - Molten X-Series

Best basketball Molten product image of an orange basketball built for outdoor use — Image Credit: Molten

Brand: Molten | Material: Synthetic | Size: 6

There is a huge difference between playing on a smooth indoor court, and a harder, grippier outdoor one which is why there are different kinds of balls for each setting.

If you do prefer to play outdoors, then you'll probably want something like the Molten X-Series which has been designed to hold its air thanks to its butyl bladder even after being repeatedly bounced off the floor.

Moreover, Molten boasts its basketball should remain easy to control during wet weather due to the grippy synthetic cover with strong pebbling to increase friction.

This bit of kit is also FIBA approved which means you'll likely be getting a high-quality, durable item with the Molten X-Series.

Best Basketball For Beginners - SportimeMax Hands-On

Best basketball Sportime product image of a yellow and orange training ball — Image Credit: Sportime

Brand: Sportime | Material: Unspecified | Size: 5

Even though this is advertised as a junior ball, the SportimeMax Hands-On will likely help any beginner improve to help them become the next LeBron James.

It comes with colour-coded visual aids designed to show beginners the proper hand positioning for when you're holding the ball.

Furthermore, the yellow and orange stripes are included to help you see how the ball rotates in the air meaning you can therefore learn how to put the right spin on the ball from watching the rotations.

Being a size 5, this item is smaller than a regulation NBA ball for example, but is a good starting point for beginners to help them learn the correct technique before progressing to the next size.

Best Basketball For Grip - Spalding TF-1000 Classic ZK

Best basketball Spalding product image of a highly grippy brown, faux leather basketball — Image Credit: Spalding

Brand: Spalding | Material: Faux Leather | Size: 7

As Spalding specialise in making basketballs, it is no surprise they feature again with the TF-1000.

While you try and figure out 'what basketball shoes are best for jumping?', you'll ultimately need an extremely grippy ball, like the TF-1000, in order to avoid dropping it before you reach your top basketball hoop.

It is available in two sizes, 6 and 7, to suit a variety of age groups and is made out of durable faux leather with ZK microfibers that have been designed to become soft once you break the ball in which helps to increase grip levels.

The TF-1000 also comes with a butyl bladder to maximise air retention and nylon windings engineered to increase structural integrity and therefore to improve the longevity of the ball.

All in all, this high school-approved ball has been adopted by the states of Idaho and North Dakota so will most likely be good enough for all your indoor court action.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basketballs

With so many different manufacturers available you probably have a few queries about these top basketballs, but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the more common questions.

What Is Size Basketball Do They Use In The NBA?

As seen in this list, basketballs can vary in size much like the top footballs can so you'll probably be wondering what size the NBA uses.

Size 7 is the size of an official NBA ball which means it has a 29.5" circumference and a standard weight of 22oz.

If you feel a Size 7 ball would be too big for you, don't worry because basketballs go all the way down to Size 4 which is 25.5" in circumference.

Why Do You Need A Different Ball For Indoor And Outdoor Courts?

An indoor court differs massively from an outdoor court in a number of key ways, for example, an outdoor court is typically made out of rough asphalt and will therefore require a different kind of ball to avoid ruining it.

By far the biggest difference between an indoor and outdoor basketball is the materials used as indoor balls tend to be softer, with a smoother surface, whereas an outdoor ball will likely be hard and durable so it can withstand the punishment of the asphalt surface.

You can use an outdoor ball on an indoor court but it will most likely not perform as well due to its design which can result in it bouncing too high and becoming uncontrollable.

How To Maintain A Basketball?

As mentioned above, one of the best ways to maintain a basketball is to ensure you're using the right ball for the right court.

Once you get that right, there are also a number of additional methods to help keep your basketball in top shape.

Some of these methods include storing in a dry, ventilated place to avoid cracking, wiping off dirt and debris with a damp cloth, and avoiding drying with direct heat to stop the ball from becoming misshaped.

Read More: Best Gift Ideas For Basketball Fans

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