The 11 Best Indoor Basketball Balls of 2023 to Help You Take Your Game to The Next Level!
It didn’t take long after getting a gym membership for the first time to realize the basketballs they had sucked.
It was an old metal basket full of old, overused basketballs. I wondered if they even knew how to deflate a basketball.
Balls that were too small, balls with the leather skin picked off by bored kids, and balls that were either so deflated they didn’t bounce or so inflated that one wrong bounce would shoot them to the moon!
I realized that if I didn’t get my own basketball, my game was going to suffer. Right then, I figured I wanted the best indoor basketball I could find.
But, Mark, with so many indoor basketballs out there, how did you find the right one?
Research.
I pored through websites and reviews in an effort to find the best basketball that didn’t cost too much. It took up way too much of my day.
The time I could’ve spent playing basketball.
So I have decided to help you all save some time by compiling the best indoor basketballs I found on my search. Grab your coffee, and let’s get started!
What Are The Best Indoor Basketball Balls of This Year?
Here are our picks for the best indoor basketball balls this year!
Wilson Official Evolution Basketball
Overview
The Wilson Official Evolution Basketball is designed for ultimate performance on the court. Its advanced composite leather cover provides exceptional grip and feel, while the cushion core technology ensures optimal bounce and responsiveness. With its durability and superior craftsmanship, this basketball is perfect for players of all skill levels.
Key Benefits
Advanced composite leather cover for superior grip and feel
Cushion core technology for optimal bounce and responsiveness
Durable construction for long-lasting performance
Official size and weight for professional play
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
My Take
The Wilson Evolution Basketball is a top choice for serious players and gives other indoor basketballs a run for their money, offering superior grip and feel with its advanced composite leather cover. However, it may be on the pricier side compared to other basketball options in the market. Make sure to check if it comes with a pump, or you’ll need to know how to pump it up without a pump.
Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor Official Competition Basketball 29.5”
Overview
The Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor Official Competition Basketball is crafted for professional play and is used as the NBA official game ball. This basketball features a premium leather cover for exceptional grip and durability. Its advanced moisture-wicking technology ensures a consistent feel, while the official size and weight provide an authentic playing experience.
Key Benefits
Premium leather cover for exceptional grip and durability
Official size and weight for an authentic playing experience
Advanced moisture-wicking technology for a consistent feel
Designed for indoor use, perfect for professional play
Enhanced bounce and responsiveness for optimal performance
My Take
The Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor Official Competition Basketball is a top-notch choice for serious players, offering a premium leather cover for superior grip and durability as long as you care for it and know how to clean a basketball. However, its official size and weight may feel slightly heavier for those accustomed to smaller basketballs.
Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball
Overview
The Baden Elite Indoor Basketball is designed for elite players. This basketball features a microfiber cover for excellent grip and feel. Its advanced Cushion Control Technology ensures consistent bounce and responsiveness, while the symmetrical design offers enhanced accuracy and control. With its official size and weight, the Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball delivers an authentic playing experience.
Key Benefits
Microfiber cover for exceptional grip and feel
Cushion Control Technology for consistent bounce and responsiveness
Symmetrical design for enhanced accuracy and control
Official size and weight for an authentic playing experience
Designed for indoor use, perfect for competitive games
My Take
The Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball is a top-of-the-line choice for serious players, featuring a microfiber cover for superior grip, which makes it easier to palm a basketball, and advanced Cushion Control Technology for consistent bounce. However, some users have noted that the ball may require slight breaking in before reaching its optimal performance.
The Rock Indoor Basketball
Overview
The Rock Indoor Basketball is the ultimate choice for indoor basketball enthusiasts. This basketball is built with a composite leather cover, providing excellent grip and durability. Its patented deep channel design offers superior control and precision during gameplay. The Rock Indoor Basketball also features a cushioned core for optimal bounce and responsiveness.
Key Benefits
Composite leather cover for exceptional grip and durability
Patented deep channel design for superior control and precision
Cushioned core for optimal bounce and responsiveness
Designed specifically for indoor use, perfect for competitive games
Official size and weight for an authentic playing experience
My Take
The Rock Indoor Basketball is a high-quality game basketball designed specifically for indoor use, providing exceptional durability and a soft feel. One of its pros is the deep channel design, offering superior control and grip. However, it should be noted that this basketball is not suitable for outdoor use.
Molten X-Series GG7X Indoor Basketball
Overview
The Molten X-Series GG7X Indoor Basketball is the official game ball of FIBA, trusted by professional players worldwide. Its premium composite leather cover offers exceptional grip and durability, while the patented 12-panel design enhances ball control and shooting accuracy. With deep channels for optimal hand placement and a consistent bounce, this basketball is perfect for competitive games and training sessions. Experience the performance and quality that has made the Molten X-Series GG7X a preferred choice among players at all levels.
Key Benefits
Official game ball of FIBA, the international basketball federation
Premium composite leather cover for ultimate grip and durability
Patented 12-panel design for enhanced ball control and shooting accuracy
Flat-pebble surface for consistent bounce and feel
Deep channels for optimal hand placement and better grip
My Take
The Molten X-Series GG7X Indoor Basketball is a highly regarded official ball that offers exceptional grip and control with its uniform pebble surface. One pro of this ball is its ability to provide optimal grip, even for players with smaller hands. However, one potential con is that it is an indoor only basketball and will wear quickly if you play with it outdoors.
Wilson Evo NXT
Overview
The Wilson Evo NXT basketball is designed for elite performance. With its Evo NXT microfiber composite cover, this ball offers exceptional grip and control. The laid-in channels provide consistent shooting accuracy, while the soft cushion core ensures a comfortable feel. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, the Wilson Evo NXT is the go-to choice for serious basketball players looking to elevate their game.
Key Benefits
Evo NXT microfiber composite cover for enhanced grip and control
Laid-in channels for consistent shooting accuracy
Soft cushion core for a comfortable feel during play
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Durable construction for long-lasting performance
My Take
The Wilson Evo NXT is a highly regarded basketball that combines the durability and feel of the Evolution ball with the grip and moisture management of the Solution ball. One pro of this ball is its optimal balance and softcore construction, allowing for better control and a softer touch. However, one potential con is that it may be on the pricier side compared to other basketball options.
Spalding TF-1000 Legacy Official Basketball
Overview
The Spalding TF-1000 Legacy Official Basketball is a good indoor basketball choice for serious basketball players. Its composite leather cover provides exceptional grip and durability, while the deep channel design ensures precise handling. The advanced moisture management technology keeps the ball dry even during intense games. With its official size and weight, the TF-1000 Legacy offers optimal performance on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Key Benefits
Composite leather cover for exceptional grip and durability
Deep channel design for precise handling and control
Advanced moisture management technology to keep the ball dry during intense play
Official size and weight for optimal performance in regulation games
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
My Take
The Spalding TF-1000 Legacy Official Basketball is a highly regarded indoor basketball known for its soft feel and excellent grip. One pro of this basketball is its game-ready feel right out of the box, while one potential con is that it is specifically designed for indoor play and may not perform as well on outdoor courts.
What Are The Best Outdoor Basketballs This Year?
Here are our picks for the best outdoor basketball balls this year!
Wilson Official Encore Basketball
Overview
The Wilson Official Encore Basketball is a top choice for basketball enthusiasts. Its revolutionary extended grip technology offers enhanced control and grip for better shooting and dribbling. With its composite leather cover, this basketball provides durability and a comfortable feel. The moisture-wicking technology ensures that the ball stays dry during intense games. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the Wilson Official Encore Basketball delivers superior performance and reliability, making it a must-have for players of all levels.
Key Benefits
Revolutionary extended grip technology for enhanced control and handling
Composite leather cover for durability and a comfortable feel
Moisture-wicking technology to keep the ball dry during intense play
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Official size and weight for optimal performance in regulation games
My Take
The Wilson Official Encore Basketball is a high-performance basketball with a composite cover that offers excellent grip for enhanced gameplay. One advantage of this basketball is its versatility, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, a potential drawback is that some users may find it slightly expensive compared to other options on the market.
Nike Elite All Court 8P 2.0 Basketball
Overview
The Nike Elite All Court 8P 2.0 Basketball is a top-notch choice for serious ballers. It features a durable composite leather cover that offers exceptional grip and feel. The advanced moisture-wicking technology keeps the ball dry during intense games. With its official size and weight, this basketball ensures optimal performance on any court. The eye-catching design adds style to your game. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the Nike Elite All Court 8P 2.0 Basketball delivers unmatched performance and reliability for players at any level.
Key Benefits
Durable composite leather cover for superior grip and feel
Advanced moisture-wicking technology to keep the ball dry during intense play
Official size and weight for optimal performance on any court
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use
Eye-catching design for a stylish look on the court
My Take
The Nike Elite All Court 8P 2.0 Basketball is a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor play, featuring deep channels for precise hand control. One advantage of this basketball is its durability and reliable performance, but a potential drawback is its slightly higher price compared to other options on the market.
Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball
Overview
The Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball is a reliable choice for basketball enthusiasts. It features a durable rubber cover that provides excellent grip and control. With its official size and weight, this basketball ensures consistent performance on any court. The deep channels enhance ball handling and shooting accuracy. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball delivers durability and performance for players of all levels.
Key Benefits
Durable rubber cover for long-lasting performance
Excellent grip and control for enhanced ball handling
Official size and weight for consistent performance on any court
Deep channels for improved shooting accuracy and control
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play
My Take
The Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball is a versatile basketball suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. One advantage of this basketball is its all-surface performance composite cover, ensuring durability and consistent performance. However, a potential drawback is that it may be slightly more expensive compared to other basketball options on the market.
What is The Best Weighted Basketball This Year?
To develop better handles, a lot of players, including those in the NBA, use weighted basketballs. Here’s our top pick for a weighted basketball that can take your dribbling to the next level!
SKLZ Heavy Weight Control Training Basketball (29.5”)
Overview
The SKLZ Heavy Weight Control Training Basketball is designed to improve your ball handling and shooting skills. Its added weight challenges muscles and builds strength, helping you develop better control and accuracy on the court. With its official size (29.5″) and durable construction, this training basketball is perfect for players of all levels looking to take their game to the next level. Whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors, the SKLZ Heavy Weight Control Training Basketball is a valuable tool for honing your skills and excelling on the basketball court.
Key Benefits
Heavyweight design challenges muscles and builds strength for improved ball control
Helps develop better shooting accuracy and overall handling skills
Official size (29.5″) for a realistic feel and practice experience
Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance on any court
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use for versatile training sessions
My Take
The SKLZ Heavy Weight Control Training Basketball is a 29.5″ basketball designed to enhance ball handling skills and strengthen fingers, wrists, and forearms. One advantage of this training basketball is its added weight, which adds intensity to workouts and improves control. However, the heavier weight may take some getting used to for players accustomed to standard-weight basketballs.
What is an Indoor Basketball?
An indoor basketball is a basketball especially made to perform on hardwood surfaces.
They are more often than not made with higher-grade materials than outdoor basketballs, like a composite leather or genuine leather ball.
Indoor basketballs have better grip and last longer than outdoor basketballs because they are not being used on asphalt or concrete for an extended period of time so you don’t need to inflate a basketball like this too often.
What Size Basketball Should I Buy?
Here’s a chart to help you determine what is the right basketball size for you or your child:
Age 5-9 = 27.5
Boy’s age 9-12 = 28.5
Girls age 9+ = 28.5
Boys age 12+ = 29.5
Conclusion
If you’re looking to avoid another day at the gym where you’re relegated to what your gym’s basketball selection is, then these are the basketballs to check out.
I’ve done hours of research to pick out the best basketballs, whether they’re composite leather or a genuine leather basketball; these are the best of the best.
Don’t waste any more time playing with that indoor ball that is too small for you, and pick up one of these best indoor basketballs so you can elevate your game to new heights!
FAQ
Is there an indoor outdoor basketball?
There are a couple of basketballs that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play on our list. This includes our top basketball, which is the Wilson Evolution game basketball.
The Wilson Evo NXT is a solid choice as well!
Is Spalding or Wilson a better basketball?
This is up to personal preference and the desired feel of a basketball. I personally like Wilson a bit better because it has been what I’ve played with most of my career. They also have a better selection of genuine leather basketballs.
Feel free to grab one of each and see which you like better!
Should I buy an indoor or outdoor basketball?
It depends on where you’ll be playing the most basketball. If you play more on indoor courts, then get an indoor basketball, and the same goes for outdoor basketball.
If you split time between outdoor and indoor play, opt for a good indoor/outdoor basketball so you can get the best of both worlds!
