Best Tennis Balls of 2024
Our experts
Desiree DeNunzio Editor
Desiree DeNunzio is the gift guide editor for CNET’s Commerce team. When she’s not writing and editing, you’ll find her hiking through redwoods or curled up with a good book and a lazy dog.
- Desiree’s previous work has appeared in various print and online publications, including Search Engine Land, PCWorld, Wired magazine, and PBS MediaShift.
Easy to find tennis balls
Penn Pink Championship Extra Duty Tennis Ball Can
Tennis balls with a great price-quality ratio
Wilson Tour Comp Tennis Balls
Summer may be coming to an end, but your tennis matches don’t have to end with it. New tennis players may appreciate the importance of a good racquet, but only good players can appreciate the importance of the right ball. That’s why I’ve done some legwork and put together this list of the best tennis balls.
I’ve played tennis most of my life so I’ve tried a few different ones tennis ball brands over the years. Both of my kids play as well, so I am familiar with beginner training balls and how junior balls differ from your standard yellow ball. Based on my personal experience and buyer reviews, I have compiled a list of the best tennis ball options currently available for every level of player. If you’re looking for the best balls for Fido to fetch, check out our list of the best dog toys.
While the US Open is played on acrylic hard courts, these regular tennis balls are designed for both clay and indoor courts. If you are a recreational player, like most of us, these balls are a great choice. They also last a long time for a regular ball, which is important since most recreational players don’t typically plan on buying balls on a regular basis.
If you’re a serious tennis player and plan on playing three to four days a week, the Penn Championship tennis ball is a great choice. These extra-duty tennis balls are designed for harder courts, meaning they have a thicker felt for added durability and longevity. They’re also both U.S. and ITF approved for competitive play.
Wilson’s Profile All Court Tennis Balls are a popular choice due to their versatility; they perform well on almost any court surface, even hard outdoor courts. These pressurized balls have a consistent bounce and their signature Duraweave felt gives them added durability. They are excellent multi-purpose balls; great for practice, competition or casual play.
While most of my picks are focused on durability, longevity, and bounce, let’s not forget one important thing: how easy is it to find your balls on a busy court? When you’re sharing space with multiple players or with someone taking lessons on the court next door, it can be tough to figure out which balls are yours. These pink balls are the answer. Best of all, for every can sold, Penn donates 15 cents to breast cancer research.
If you are new to tennis, it is best to start with a set of tennis balls that can help you gain more control and experience. We are big fans of the Penn QST ball because they are 75% slower than the average yellow ball and have lower compression for an easier bounce.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, these Wilson Tour Comp tennis balls are a great buy. Perfect for recreational play or hitting practice, these balls hold up fairly well and bounce evenly. Considering you get four balls per can, the price is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Balls
When choosing tennis balls, you should first determine where and how often you will be playing so that you can find the best type of tennis ball for your needs. For example, if you are playing high above sea level, you will want to use high altitude balls. If you plan on playing on hard surfaces, you will want to use extra-duty balls, while regular tennis balls are better suited for grass or clay courts. Young children and beginners should start with larger, softer balls that are slower than regular tennis balls so that they are easier to see and hit.
The main difference between regular-duty and extra-duty tennis balls is that extra-duty balls, also known as “hard court” balls, have a thicker and more durable felt layer, making them last longer on hard surfaces. Regular-duty balls are bouncier and move a bit faster, making them ideal for indoor and clay courts.
Beginner tennis balls, better known as junior tennis balls, generally fall into four categories:
Foam tennis balls: Because they are made of foam, these are the largest and lightest of the four. Players can easily make contact with these balls, but they are best for smaller courts and short rackets.
Red tennis balls: Heavier than foam balls but still bigger and lighter than the next stage, these are our top pick for beginners. They are 75% slower than a standard tennis ball and can help players learn proper technique.
Orange tennis balls: These balls are 50% slower than a standard yellow ball. They are not designed for full-size courts, but they offer players a good introduction to strategy and tactics.
Green tennis balls: Designed for full-length courts, these balls are the next step before players start using standard balls. They are 25% slower than a standard tennis ball.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.
