You might wonder, how important is it to use the best tennis balls for your game? Well, every individual piece of tennis equipment matters and can be super crucial to the outcome of a game. From the gear that you’re planning to wear to the racket you’re going to use, they all play great parts in handing you the win that you want. That said, a good tennis ball can also steer the game in your favor and help you become a better player. From the best tennis balls for hard court to the best tennis balls for clay courts, there are so many options to choose from. Since it can take quite some time to check out every single one of them, we have done the work for you and compiled the 13 best tennis balls you can buy.
While you’re here, feel free to also take a look at the 13 best tennis sunglasses and the 13 best tennis overgrips. If you’re having issues with your elbow, maybe one of the 13 best tennis rackets for tennis elbow can help you to start playing again!
How To Choose The Best Tennis Balls For Sale
Whether you’re a backyard enthusiast, a recreational player, or a professional, there are some aspects that you should consider before buying tennis balls, which are:
Types of tennis balls
There are 3 different types of tennis balls, which are championship level, recreational level, and professional level. Championship balls are commonly more expensive and are used in league matches. Meanwhile, recreational balls are perfect to use in tennis ball machines or for practice. Professional level balls are of the highest quality, and they’re used only by professional tennis athletes.
Pressure
You need to consider whether to get a pressurized or a pressureless ball too. Used in tournaments, pressurized balls use internal air pressure for the bounce, speed, and spin. As a result, they’ll gradually lose the bounce and spin as the air pressure declines. On the other hand, pressureless balls are usually used by beginners, practice, and for recreational play. They tend to bounce from rubber shell structure and not from the air inside, which means they won’t lose their bounce. However, they might be a bit heavier and harder to play.
Regular duty vs extra duty vs high altitude
If you want to play on clay courts or indoor courts, you will want to use regular duty tennis balls that are among the best tennis balls for clay courts. However, if you’re going to play on hard courts, what you want are the best tennis balls for hard court that can prevent abrasion and wears. Meanwhile, high-altitude tennis balls are manufactured from extremely high-quality felt. ITF considers 4,000 feet or higher as high-altitude courts and special balls are created for such courts which helps to minimize any issues.
Stages of tennis balls
Ideally, there are 3 stages of tennis balls that you need to consider.
- Stage 1: They’re the advanced tennis balls that are used in tournaments and league matches. They feature a slightly lower bounce but help a lot in developing the proper techniques. These balls are perfect for full-sized 78-foot courts.
- Stage 2: Slightly advanced but with reduced flights. These balls are designed for 60-foot courts, offering you a nice playing time.
- Stage 3: These are beginner-level balls, which are designed for junior and young players which will help build their skills. They’re approved for 36-foot courts.
Are Penn or Wilson tennis balls better?
Depending on your preference, both brands are equally great. While Penn sets the bar for the best tennis balls quite high, Wilson stands neck to neck when it comes to quality, durability, and versatility.
Why are tennis balls kept in the fridge?
Many players keep their tennis balls in the fridge because keeping them cold causes their internal air volume to shrink so that they don’t leak even the slightest bit.
How often should tennis balls be replaced?
Usually, a new can of balls should be enough for the best of 3 sets match, but they’ll start to lose their bounce after a few games. As pro players hit the ball harder, you’ll often see them changing to a new set of balls every 9 games.
Tourna Tennis Ball Tote
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If you’ve never heard of Tourna Tennis Ball Tote, then you should thank us! This ball is a premium-quality tennis ball that is typically not pressurized. To make it simple, you’ll never find this ball go flat or losing its bounce as it doesn’t have pressure. It has been constructed by using just non-toxic materials with extra durable felt.
Due to the durable felt it possesses, this ball could be used on practically any and every type of court. This doesn’t only make it one of the best tennis balls for hard court, but also one of the best tennis balls for clay courts! Since it uses non-toxic material, you also don’t have to panic if your dog plays with it.
What We Love
With its non-toxic material, it’s by far the best tennis ball for dogs to play with.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Not pressurized
- One tote bag contains 50 balls
Cons:
- Some have said that it smells super bad
Dunlop ATP Championships Tennis Balls
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As the official ATP Tour Ball, it’s only normal for Dunlop ATP Championship Tennis Balls to be considered one of the best tennis balls on the market. It’s one of the most widely used balls on tour, proving that it’s far from being cookie-cutter. This is a nice ball to control and takes spin well, which also explains its popularity.
Compared to other best tennis balls like the Wilson US Open Ball, it’s slightly softer. Hence, it plays a little bit slower and wears quicker. However, we have to say that we really like this ball on volleys as it gives a nice plush feeling on the strings.
What We Love
A decent tennis ball with an ATP label that’s quite affordable.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- The official ATP Tour Ball
- Takes spin well
Cons:
- Not durable
Penn Championship Extra Duty
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Trust us when we say this ball is going to blow you away. Penn Championship Extra Duty is one of the best tennis balls for hard court that suits beginners. The rubber composition of this tennis ball reduces shock as it comes into contact with the racket, making it an ideal ball for building your confidence. Amazingly, it comes in many different can sizes and quantities imaginable. From 1 can with 3 balls to 24 cans with 72 balls, you name it all! That said, if you’re a regular player, purchasing the larger pack size will save you some amount of money!
One thing to remember is to always put the lid back on the can immediately after removing the ball. If not, you’re likely to find the ball loses its bounce. If you’re lucky enough, you might also get a magnet that comes with the ball. It’s given to you for your refrigerator or car to signal interest in the game.
What We Love
The affordability and confidence giving behavior have made this ball perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- Shock reduction
- Different pack sizes
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Poor packaging
Penn Pro Marathon Extra Duty
10
There are so many reasons why Penn Pro Marathon Extra Duty is considered one of the best tennis balls on hard court. First of all, this tennis ball is the brand’s longest-lasting ball, which is quite impressive. It’s also packed with Penn’s latest technology to enhance performance, making sure you’ll have the best experience using the ball.
Another feature worth mentioning is the Encore Technology. It ensures the core lasts 22% longer, which means you won’t find yourself purchasing new balls anytime soon. As if those aren’t good enough, Penn’s Smart Optik high visibility felt treatment also gives this ball maximum brightness, so you won’t have any trouble keeping track.
What We Love
A lot of top-notch features are packed into such a small space, and their impact on the performance is admirable.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Great visibility
- Penn’s longest-lasting ball
Cons:
- Quite heavy, so it requires more power
Penn Practice Tennis Balls
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You shouldn’t be surprised to find more than one Penn tennis ball on this list, since Penn releases only top-quality products. Penn Practice Tennis Balls are pressurized balls that are excellent for practice and teaching lessons due to their consistent bounce and lasting durability. Each of them is an ideal option for those who want to spend hours playing on the court at an affordable price.
As one of the best tennis balls on the market, this practice ball delivers superb bounce and playability, which is perfect for instruction. That said, you’ll probably often find many coaches using this ball during training sessions. All in all, we can confidently say that this tennis ball provides excellent value for money.
What We Love
A great ball for the long haul, especially for those who want to climb to the top.
Pros:
- Consistent bounce
- Very durable
- Affordable
Cons:
- It’s a pretty average ball
Wilson US Open High Altitude
8
Since it’s been used as the official ball of the US Open since 1978, the quality of Wilson US Open High Altitude is unquestionably good. This ball is made with exclusive felt from Tex Tech Industries for superior playability, consistency, and durability.
What’s special about this ball is that it’s made for use on all surfaces for maximum versatility for players above 3,500 feet in elevation. Just like its siblings, this tennis ball is also USTA and ITF approved. Since high altitude balls are quite difficult to find at a reasonable price, you certainly should miss this tennis ball while it’s in stock.
What We Love
One of the most versatile tennis balls on this list that comes at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Can be used on all surfaces
- USTA and ITF approved
- Affordable
- Used as the official ball of US Open
Cons:
- The durability of this ball can be improved
Wilson US Open Extra Duty
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Let us introduce you to Wilson US Open Extra Duty, one of the best tennis balls out there. This ball is an extra-duty version of the regular-duty Wilson balls on this list. It’s a great choice for players who need one of the best tennis balls for hard court that’s affordable.
Like we said earlier, this tennis ball has an extra-duty felt, which means it’s going to be suitable for hard court surfaces only. Unlike the regular-duty version that has middle-end performance, this ball performs way better on hard court. So, if you’re looking for a high-performance hard-court ball, this should be a good pick.
What We Love
It’s one of the best options for those looking for hard courts ball.
Pros:
- Durable
- Ensure consistency during play
- Performs best on hard courts
- Constructed from premium quality tech felt
Cons:
- Less bouncy on soft courts
Penn Pro Marathon Regular Duty
6
If what you need are the best tennis balls that are long-lasting, we would like to show you Penn Pro Marathon Regular Duty. This tennis ball is quite popular, and one of the reasons for that is because of the Encore Technology used in the ball. This feature provides you with a pleasant playing experience on the court, alongside increasing the lifespan of the ball for better playability.
Just like its siblings, this ball also uses Smart Optik to improve the visibility of the ball on the court. The design of the felt wrapped around the ball is that of regular duty, but it’s perfect to be played on courts like grass, clay, Omni, and carpet. That explains why many consider this ball as one of the best tennis balls for clay courts. However, some players have claimed that the ball performs quite well on hard courts too.
What We Love
Easily one of the most durable tennis balls on the market that’s packed with many great features.
Pros:
- More visibility thanks to the Smart Optik
- Regular duty felt
- Very durable
- Can be used on hard courts too
Cons:
- Tends to get flat
Slazenger Wimbledon Tennis Balls
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Those who don’t mind spending a little bit more to have the best tennis balls might want to take a look at Slazenger Wimbledon Tennis Balls. Although pricier than most tennis balls, this is a great choice for amateurs looking for a durable ball and professionals who demand performance. One of the highlight features of this ball is none other than the Tour Core. It promises to deliver consistently great performance on all court surface types.
In addition to that, the woven felt of this tennis ball made from high-quality wool is specifically designed to satisfy the demands of the most prestigious tournament in the tennis world. Another praise-worthy feature that it offers is the unique Ultra Vis dye. It ensures optimum visibility to players and spectators, making it easy for you to easily spot the ball. Plus, it also has Hydroguard technology that allows this ball to repel up to 70% of the water to achieve increased durability.
What We Love
It delivers excellent performance that’s worth the money.
Pros:
- A nice option for amateur and professional use
- The official Wimbledon tennis ball
- Great on all surfaces
- Easy to spot by the eyes
Cons:
- Pricier than most tennis balls
Wilson Prime All Court Tennis Balls
4
Don’t worry, there’s no way we would leave Wilson Prime All Court Tennis Balls out of this list. This ball is a versatile, excellent, and durable option for tennis lovers or all those who enjoy exploring their backhand on lots of surfaces. People love this tennis ball because it’s long-lasting and can pretty much endure anything, which is perfect for both training and competitions.
One of the reasons why this ball is durable is because of the Dura-Weave used for the felt. It allows you to enjoy a superior performance while playing on the court. To enable you to enjoy a longer playing time session on the court, especially on a hard court, this ball comes with an extra duty construction that helps to increase its lifespan and prevent it from getting deformed or become flat after a while.
What We Love
It’s a very versatile tennis ball that can last for a very long time.
Pros:
- Good for any court surface
- USTA and ITF approved
- Great for training and competitions
- Dura-Weave for a longer lifespan
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Penn Championship Regular Duty
3
Penn Championship Regular Duty is well-known as one of the best tennis balls for clay courts and indoor courts. Did you know that it’s also said to be American’s fast-selling ball by Penn? This amazing ball will help you keep control of play and helps in terms of the player’s service. Another plus point of this ball is that it easily maintains altitude and speed.
As one of the best tennis balls available out there, it comes with a pressurized rubber in its core, which contributes to its durability. This also helps to reduce arm shock and provides comfort to players at the same time. With its smooth feel, this ball comes in a multi-pack with 6 cans that contain 18 balls.
What We Love
It has mostly everything you would expect from the best tennis balls.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Great shock reduction
- USTA and ITF approved
- Made of natural rubber for consistency
Cons:
- Not ideal for hard courts
Wilson US Open Regular Duty
2
Like other US Open tennis balls from Wilson, Wilson US Open Regular Duty is the official ball of the US Open. This tennis ball seems to be more of a middle-end tennis ball, as it offers good performance for skilled players. Players oriented at maximum performance might find them average. However, since this ball is priced quite reasonably for the delivered performance, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Offering superb performance, this ball is one of the best tennis balls on clay courts or indoor courts. While indoor and clay courts aren’t as demanding on tennis balls as outdoor or hard courts, Wilson still encased this ball in their long-lasting Tex Tech industries felt. It will promise you a fantastic playing experience and come beautifully onto the racket when you’re playing your shots.
What We Love
It’s an impressive and affordable tennis ball for casual players planning to play on clay courts.
Pros:
- The official ball of the US Open
- Good on clay courts
- USTA and ITF approved
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Not really good for performance-oriented players
Penn Championship High Altitude
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Not many can say that they’re better than Wilson’s US Open Ball, but Penn Championship High Altitude is certainly one of them. This ball is very specific in use, as it’s designed for use at altitudes over 4,000 feet. So, don’t try using this ball at lower altitudes. Aside from that, this extra-duty ball is also one of the best tennis balls for hard court.
As if those aren’t enough, this ball also features interlocked wool fiber in the felt for increased durability. The fiber is released in a controlled manner to provide an even nap, while the natural rubber will reduce shock and offer a more consistent feel on the ball. We know, these balls aren’t made for biting and chewing by dogs, but you have to know that even dogs biting on the ball couldn’t damage the felt for weeks! That alone really speaks of the durability of this ball.
What We Love
It’s easily one of the most, if not, the most durable tennis balls on the market today.
Pros:
- Designed for high-altitude use
- Very durable
- Great on hard court
- USTA and ITF approved
- The official ball of USTA Leagues
Cons:
- Some people have said that the ball has a very strong smell of plastic
