The Complete Guide to the Top 10 Best Indoor Basketballs

The overwhelming favorite of people searching for the best indoor basketball is The Rock Ball. The Rock basketball has a reputation that precedes it, and with a brand name like The Rock, why wouldn’t that be the case?

Top 10 Best Indoor Basketballs On The Market In 2021

  Indoor Basketballs

Specifications

Price

Wilson Evolution Game Basketball

Average Rating

  • Evo Microfiber Material 
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Comes in black, green, navy, royal blue, scarlet red, yellow, and USA flag colors.


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Wilson NCAA Replica Game Ball

Average Rating

  • Composite Material 
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Comes in black & gold, brown, and pink


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Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Game Ball

Average Rating

  • Composite Material 
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Only comes in brown


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Spalding Legacy TF-1000

Average Rating

  • The ball is made from a composite material.
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter.
  • The ball comes in orange.


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Spalding Precision

Average Rating

  • Made from Composite leather material.
  • 28.5 Inches in Diameter.
  • Comes in orange.


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Baden Elite

Average Rating

  • Composite leather material
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Comes in orange


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Spalding Zi

Average Rating

  • Composite Leather material
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Comes in orange


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XEDGE

Average Rating

  • Pu leather material
  • 27.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Mostly comes in red


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Molten BG Series

Average Rating

  • Synthetic Material
  • 29.5 Inches in Diameter
  • Comes in orange, black and white


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GlowCity LED

Average Rating

  • Nylon Material 
  • 28.5 Inches in Diameter
  • The ball glows in red


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Why Is It The Top and Best Indoor Basketball To Opt For?

The material used for The Rock ball, designed for the adult male, is leather. Some balls that feature in our list below are made from composite leather, while others are made from microfiber material. However, a basketball really catches your attention when it is made from leather and nothing else.

The diameter of the available Rock Ball is 29.5 Inches, which is the standard for the highest basketball level. The Rock is also the brand traditionally used for All American games. There is an air of authenticity about this ball that is very difficult for the rest of the industry to match, despite the presence of brands like Wilson and Spalding. Incidentally, both of those brand feature prominently in our list below. 

At vendors like Amazon, The Rock basketball has a high average rating, which is pretty much as high as it gets for basketballs. The common thread among so many online reviews is that this is the best ball of them all, right up with balls directly associated with the NCAA and the NBA. 


Factors That Determine The Best Indoor Basketball


1- Indoor Basketball Size

The size of the basketball normally determines who that basketball is most suitable for. When you buy a basketball, especially at an online vendor like Amazon, you need to pay careful attention to size because you can get horribly disappointed if you don’t. 

If you are an adult male, the best size basketball for you would be the Size 7 basketball, which is typically 29.5 inches in diameter. Size 7 basketballs normally weigh about 22 oz. While weight does matter, it is the diameter that will most likely have an impact on how well you grip the basketball, and how well you manage to control that basketball. These are usually the best basketballs because they are the ones most likely to be used at the highest levels of competition.

That said, there are some higher leagues that will be comfortable allowing you to compete with a Size 6 basketball. The Size 6 basketballs measure in at 28.5 inches in diameter. The ball is designed for male players with slightly smaller hands, like Donald Trump perhaps, and women. 

Another critical detail is that they normally weigh about 20 oz, which is something that will be of significance to people with a smaller or less commanding stature.

 

2- Indoor Basketball Material

The indoor basketballs are made from leather, because they are the easiest for competitive players to manage. Leather basketballs are softer than balls made from other materials. Being softer, that means leather basketballs are easier to grip. It also means that they are easier to dribble with and ultimately it means that they are easier to score with. 

Well...easier is not the word, but you will have more confidence taking a shot with a softer ball because it is likely to cushion on the hoop and drain. There is also the small matter of the moisture that a leather ball can absorb, which is a particularly useful detail for players that sweat buckets - God bless them. 

The leather basketball is the one you are most likely to have fun with indoors, but the one major caveat is that playing with these basketball outdoors is not really something you can put on the table. Leather basketballs are not durable, by any stretch of the imagination. There will be more on outdoor basketballs elsewhere on these pages.


3- Indoor Basketball Performance

When you purchase a basketball, you want one that will bounce well, that retains air well, and one that has a solid feel about it. Basketballs that offer the best performance are generally associated with the biggest brand names in the sport, like Wilson, Spalding, Molten, and Baden.


Top 10 Indoor Basketballs In 2021


1- Wilson Evolution Game Basketball

Wilson Evolution Game Basketball 2

The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball is Amazon’s number one choice of basketball. It is also the number one basketball across courts throughout the United States, and there are a set of very compelling reasons for that. Chief among those is that customers are generally highly satisfied with the product once they have purchased it. This ball is the gold standard for people looking to buy the best basketball available in 2021.


Pros

  • The ball offers you ultimate grip and control

Cons

  • The ball requires full inflation if you want it to bounce properly, which is not ideal for somebody struggling a little with grip.


2-  Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball 

Wilson NCAA Replica Game Ball

The Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball is a number one best seller at Amazon. Regardless of the price fluctuation, you will find more often than not that you are getting good value for your basketball here, provided you are using it to play while you are indoors. 


Pros

  • This basketball is durable and it is also sturdy

Cons

  • The ball is not going to get you much joy while playing with it outdoors

  • The Official Game ball is actually better this offering, if you can get your hands onto it. Not many vendors will have it for sale


3- Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Game Ball 

Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Game Ball

The Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Game Ball is a compelling option for casual basketball players because it is generally pretty soft, which assists with grip and control. It also helps you be a little more comfortable when taking tougher shots at the hoop, because you will have that feeling that the shot might stick. This basketball can be considered tremendous value for your buck.


Pros

  • The ball is actually designed for both indoor and outdoor play

Cons

  • The ball will deflate regularly when used outdoors, so you will need to also buy a pump with this ball


4- Spalding Legacy TF-1000 Indoor Game Basketball 

Spalding Legacy TF-1000

The Spalding Legacy TF-1000 Indoor Game Basketball is among the top choices available at vendors like Amazon. We are confident that this basketball will be worth every penny, provided you use it for what it has been designed for - indoor play.


Pros

  • The ball is great for players who tend to sweat a lit, because of the composite microfiber

Cons

  • The deep grooves, which are designed to help with grip, can also be a little uncomfortable for some players. The ball can require some adjustment because of this


5- Spalding Precision Indoor Game Basketball 

Spalding Precision

The Spalding Precision Indoor Game Basketball would be the first alternative option for somebody not keen on purchasing the TF-1000. The jury is probably still out on which of the two balls is better, and that is ultimately something only you can determine. This basketball probably presents a little more value for somebody who is not overly obsessed about the finer margins of a basketball.


Pros

  • The ball’s deep channel design offers up superior grip and control

Cons

  • There are some who might find fault with the price for this ball, but that really hinges on the individual and the circumstances facing that individual


6- Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball 

Baden Elite

The Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball is most suitable for those competing in High School and College basketball. The ball is symmetrically balanced, has cushioned control, and a stealth soft valve system. 


Pros

  • Being able to purchase this at $39.99 is an absolute steal

Cons

  • The ball is only really suitable for indoor basketball and will not survive outdoor basketball

  • It is impossible to find the ball in another colour 


7- Spalding Zi/O Indoor Basketball 

Spalding Zi

The Spalding Zi/O Indoor Basketball is among Amazon’s top choices of ball for those who wish to play the game indoors. There is also considerable value for this best indoor basketball purchase. Another exciting development with this basketball is that there is already a 2022 version out on the market, for those who might be seeking some kind of upgrade. 


Pros

  • The ball is designed for basketball played both indoors and outdoors

Cons

  • Some players have reported difficulties with grip, but that is something that could vary from player to player


8- XEDGE Indoor Game Ball 

XEDGE

The XEDGE Indoor Game Ball will invariably come with a pump, needle, and even a carry bag when you make the purchase. This basketball is also attached to some meaningful value, especially for those among you who are hoping to not have to break into a bank, just to play ball. 


Pros

  • The hygroscopic Pu cover has been designed to help you grip and control the basketball a lot better. 

Cons

  • Some users have found the material covering the ball a little distracting, saying that the ball does tend to stick to the hand when taking a shot. Once again, these experiences will vary, depending on the person using the basketball


9- Molten BG3800 Series 

Molten BG Series

The Molten BG3800 Series is approved by FIBA. That association alone probably makes the money that you spend on the basketball well worth your while. Molten is a basketball brand that you can trust, and this ball will give you improved touch and play-ability, helping you stand out from your peers on the basketball court. 


Pros

  • The basketball’s two-tone design is really easy on the eye, compelling even

Cons

  • Durability has been presented as somewhat of an issue, but it probably isn’t a deal-breaker for those looking to purchase a good basketball at a fair price


10- GlowCity LED Light Up Basketball

GlowCity LED

The GlowCity LED Light Up basketball is activated every time there is an impact. When you purchase the ball, a set of batteries will also come with the package, which gives you one less thing to think about if the glow-in-the-dark feature is what you have really come for. This basketball is a really compelling Christmas or birthday gift, whether you are planning on playing indoors or outdoors.


Pros

  • The ball glows in the dark
  • The ball is also water resistant

Cons

  • While fun to use, it is only really suitable for women and teens

  • The ball looks pretty but the batteries can be somewhat of an inconvenience, but only for people who do not have the patience for it


How To Test For The Indoor Basketball

When testing for the best basketball, you are testing for grip, feel, bounce, moisture, air retention, and durability. If you can get all of that at a good price, you will have the top indoor basketball. 


Conclusion

The indoor basketballs require careful consideration on how you plan to use them. If you only plan to play indoors, then buying a leather indoor basketball is a no brainer. However, if you plan on playing some of that basketball outdoors, you are better off buying something like rubber or composite leather - which will still perform well indoors but last much longer when you are playing ball outside.