Quick answer
Outdoor balls are harder and have about 40 smaller holes, so they cut through wind and survive rough courts. Indoor balls are softer with about 26 larger holes for smooth gym floors. Both must meet the same USA Pickleball size and weight rules. Many indoor players now use outdoor balls too, so if you only buy one type, buy outdoor. For most players, the Franklin X-40 is the ball to start with.
Our picks
| Pick | Best for | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin X-40 Outdoor | Best for most players | about $2 to $4.33 per ball | Check Amazon |
| Selkirk Pro S1 | Best for cold weather | about $1.50 to $2.50 per ball | Check Amazon |
| Life Time Pro 48 | Fastest and most consistent | about $2.50 to $4.33 per ball | Check Amazon |
| GoSports GS40 | Best budget | about $1.39 to $2 per ball | Check Amazon |
| Vulcan VPRO Flight Gen 2 | Speed with spin | about $2.40 to $3.99 per ball | Check Amazon |
Franklin X-40 Outdoor
Pickleheads' pick for beginners and intermediates, with a consistent bounce and good spin. It lasts about 20 to 30 games.
Best onEveryday outdoor play when it is above 40°F.
Watch out forBelow about 40°F, a more crack-resistant ball is a better choice.
Selkirk Pro S1
Pickleheads' most durable pick. Selkirk backs it with a one-year no-crack warranty, and it held up in sessions near 30°F.
Best onWinter mornings and anyone tired of cracked balls.
Watch out forIt can go slightly out of round. Rolling it on the ground or resting it can help it recover.
Life Time Pro 48
Pickleheads' best overall ball. It is the fastest of its picks, with very consistent bounces, and lasts about 20 to 25 games.
Best onAdvanced players and fast-paced games.
Watch out forThe speed can feel like a lot for newer players.
GoSports GS40
Fast, durable and easy to see at a low price.
Best onBuying in bulk for practice, drills and backyard play.
Watch out forIt can feel pingy and plays fast in the cold or at high elevation.
Vulcan VPRO Flight Gen 2
Popular in competitive play for combining speed and spin.
Best onCompetitive players who want a lively ball.
Watch out forIt wears out sooner, at about 10 to 20 games.
The difference at a glance
| Outdoor ball | Indoor ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | About 40, smaller | About 26, larger |
| Shell | Harder, heavier feel | Softer, lighter feel |
| Speed | Faster | Slower, easier to control |
| Wind | Holds its line better | Drifts in the wind |
| Best surface | Concrete, asphalt, painted courts | Wood and sport floors |
Many gyms now play with outdoor balls as well. Check your gym's rules before you buy indoor balls. If your gym does require a true indoor ball, Franklin's X-26 is the indoor counterpart to the X-40.
Official ball specs
Indoor and outdoor balls follow the same rules. They just sit at different ends of the allowed ranges.
| Spec | Allowed range |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.87 to 2.97 in |
| Weight | 0.78 to 0.935 oz |
| Holes | 26 to 40 |
| Bounce | 30 to 34 in, dropped from 78 in, tested at 75 to 80°F |
That bounce test temperature matters. A ball is certified at 75 to 80°F, so it plays bouncier on a 95°F court and deader on a 45°F morning.
Pick your ball by temperature
| Temperature | What happens | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Above 85°F | Balls soften and play faster and bouncier. | Franklin X-40, with a control paddle |
| 50 to 85°F | Balls play close to how they were tested. | Franklin X-40 or Life Time Pro 48 |
| 40 to 50°F | Balls play slower and harder. | Franklin X-40, and bring spares |
| Below 40°F | Plastic gets brittle and cracks more often. | Selkirk Pro S1. Keep balls warm in your bag. |
How we picked
Our picks draw on Pickleheads' 2026 ball testing, which tracks how many games each ball lasts and how it handles the cold, and on the official specs. We added the temperature guide so you can match a ball to your court. We earn a small commission if you buy through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. The picks were chosen before any links were added.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use outdoor pickleball balls indoors?
Yes. Many indoor players now use outdoor balls. They play faster on a gym floor, so check your gym's rules first.
How many holes does an outdoor pickleball have?
Most outdoor balls have about 40 holes. Indoor balls usually have about 26. The rules allow anywhere from 26 to 40.
How long does a pickleball last?
Most outdoor balls last about 10 to 30 games, depending on the brand, how hard people hit and the temperature.
Why do pickleballs crack in cold weather?
Cold makes the plastic brittle, so hard hits can split the seam. Below about 40°F, use a crack-resistant ball like the Selkirk Pro S1 and keep spares warm.