Best Indoor Basketball to Buy In 2022

While playing basketball on an outdoor court is well and good, if you try to use that same ball indoors, you’ll have a bad time. Basketball enthusiasts will know that there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind when looking for a basketball to buy, factors that make it, so

there have to be different types of balls based on where you want to play the sport. Indoor basketballs, outdoor basketballs, or maybe a ball that can handle both.

Fortunately, if a durable and reliable indoor basketball is what you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place. Seeing as how there is no shortage of indoor basketball brands and types, we have compiled a list of some of the absolute best ones, along with what exactly makes them so good.

What Makes a Good Indoor Basketball?

Before deciding what indoor basketball to buy, you first need to know all the qualities a good ball needs. Of course, the most important thing is that it needs to have a good bounce, which should be a consistently good bounce. Say that you’re dribbling a ball. You’d want it to have the same consistency every time when in the middle of the game.

Another important thing is the durability of the ball. Now, it’s natural that an indoor basketball will be specifically made for indoor use and, as such, will not last long when used outdoors. However, even the indoor ball has to be good at reserving air and has a cover that does not easily wear or tear.

Additionally, a good indoor basketball needs to be hard, but not too hard, that it hurts when catching a pass or intercepting a shot. A stiff ball will be hard to handle and dribble, while an overly softball will be too delicate or spongy. A perfect cushion-like texture is what you’re looking for.

Finally, a good indoor basketball has to be cheap and relatively affordable. With sports like these, you might have to replace your ball multiple times. Now yes, basketball doesn’t have you replacing the ball half as often as table tennis, but you still might have to replace it every now and then. As such, it shouldn’t be so expensive that it burns a hole in your wallet every time you go out to buy one.

Wilson Evolution Indoor Basketball

9

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What better way to start off this list than with the world's most popular indoor basketball, the Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Basketball? This ball of Chinese origin has been setting the bar for good indoor basketballs as far back as we can remember.

This ball is known for its best cushion core, which gives it a soft yet firm touch and makes it easier to grip around the rim. This makes it easier to handle the ball and dance around the opposing team.

As for durability, it has a microfiber composite cover, which adds to a better grip in addition to being sturdy and durable. However, there is the fact that this ball is on the more expensive side, especially when compared to the other entries on this list. So if your budget is a little low, then this might not be the ball for you.

Pros

• Good durability
• Good grip
• Cushion Core

Cons

• Expensive when compared to other options

NBA Official Game Basketball

9

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Up next on our list is another ball made by Wilson. Of course, no guide comparing the best indoor basketballs can be complete without talking about the official basketball of the NBA. If that professional feeling is what you’re looking for, then you don’t have to look any further than this.

Let’s talk bounce first. Every bounce construction makes it so that every bounce is the same as the last. This predictability lets you dribble and control the ball seamlessly with proper flow. And here’s the kicker. This ball is made with genuine leather, which means that while initially, the ball will feel way too hard, the more you use it, the more it’ll loosen up and get darker, making the grip better and better.

If brand recognition is what you’re looking for, then this ball has you covered there too. Proudly displaying both the NBA logo as well as the well-known WILSON brand name, any basketball fan, no matter how casual, will instantly recognize it at first glance.

You don’t have to worry about inflating this ball again and again, as inflation retention lining ensures longer-lasting air retention while also adding to the consistency of the bounce. On top of that, the channel construction is suited to player preference.

Alas, with a ball like this, there’s bound to be a catch, and this case is no different. This ball, being made of official leather AND being the ball used in the NBA, is easily the most expensive indoor basketball you’ll find on this list. However, with a background like this, chances are it’ll be worth spending all that money.

Pros

• Made of genuine leather
• Easily recognizable
• Long last air retention
• Excellent durability
• Consistent bounce

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Many cases where the seams start coming off

Goalrilla Hype Men’s Basketball

9

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Let’s move away from Wilson for a little bit and instead focus on Goalrilla’s Hype basketball. Now the unique thing about this specific ball is that it is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, making it a must-have for basketball players who are always ready to play anytime, anywhere.

Now you might be wondering why exactly this ball is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Well, the basketball’s microfiber composite leather cover, in addition to bettering grip over time, also makes it so that the ball can be used on various surfaces and environments of all types without getting any wear or tear.

What this ball is known for best is its incredible texture and grip. It becomes clear to anyone just by holding it once that the quality used is top-notch and highly durable, making this an indoor and outdoor basketball that is built to last a long time.

While definitely not as expensive as a ball made out of genuine leather, this basketball is still a little on the pricey side. Fortunately, we have yet to meet a single person who has regretted buying this ball. Extremely favoured by everyone in the basketball community as well as casual players, this just might be the ball for you!

Pros

• Made with excellent material
• Good grip
• Good durability
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• A little pricey
• Brand not as recognizable as Wilson or Spalding

Spalding Precision TF-1000 Indoor Game Basketball

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Next, we jump to a basketball that has been made solely for indoor use, the Spalding Precision TF-10000 Indoor basketball. Of course, Spalding is a well-known name in the basketball world as, before Wilson, they used to provide the NBA with balls to play with.

This was, as the people over at Spalding have said, designed to be a shooter’s dream ball, with it having a soft-to-the-touch feel right out of the metaphorical box. Many people get won over by the fact that they use recycled material for this ball Eco-grip composite cover, which is always a welcomed feature.

However, this ball doesn’t have any lack of complaints about its name. For starters, the air retention is rather poor and, as such, requires you to inflate it again and again after just some use. In addition, the grip and ball control, while good, isn’t as good as some of the other competitors out there. Many people have noted this because of the lack of proper pebbling and the inclusion of excessive amounts of text, which messes up the feel of the ball.

Finally, as for the price, it’s definitely on the more pricey side. So while this definitely isn’t a bad ball, there are indoor basketballs with similar pricing that do not have some of the shortcomings that this one does. For example, the Wilson Evolution that we mentioned at the start.

Pros

• Soft to the touch
• Durable
• Cover made with recycled material

Cons

• Poor air retention
• Decent grip
• Decent ball control
• A little pricey

Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball

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Up next is the second most popular indoor basketball in the world, beaten only by Wilson Evolution. The Baden Elite indoor basketball is an amazing buy if what you’re looking for is a long-lasting ball of good quality.

First of all, let’s talk about the grip on this ball. The advanced microfiber cover that it uses is soft to the touch and gives the ball a smooth texture. In addition, the fact that it doesn’t absorb moisture at all makes it so you can maintain your grip better, although it might feel a little sticky at first because of this feature.

This indoor basketball has what is called a stealth valve. In simple words, this makes it so that the valve is borderline invisible, giving the ball a consistent feel during play. This, paired with their unique symmetrical panel construction, gives the Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball an unmatched feel.

Following the trend, however, this indoor basketball is also on the more pricey side. However, because of its qualities and durability, chances are that you won’t have to replace it too many times as long as you play only indoors as intended.

Pros

• Excellent grip
• Really good feel
• Durable

Cons

• A little pricey
• May feel sticky at first

Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Multi Color Indoor/Outdoor Basketball

9

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Since all the entries on this list have been more on the pricey side, let’s go through a good quality indoor basketball that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. The Spalding Rookie Gear Multi Color Indoor and Outdoor basketball are specially designed to help children and rookies get a feel of the game.

The fact that it has a performance composite cover, in addition to it being 15% lighter than most other basketballs, makes it the ideal basketball for children under the age of nine. Of course, older individuals who are new to the sport can also use it to practice dribbling and shooting, as heavier balls might make it harder for beginners that are just getting started.

As mentioned before, this is easily the cheapest entry on the list, coming up at under 25 united states dollars. However, it holds air, it’s durable, and most of all, the color pattern is attractive for kids with parents who want their children to get into the sport more.

Pros

• Cheap
• Durable
• Lighter than most balls
• Smaller than most balls

Cons

• Not ideal for most adults
• Can’t be used in a professional game

Spalding Pro Tack Indoor and Outdoor Basketball

9

Buy On Wilson.Com

Of course, we can’t mention a cheap indoor basketball for kids and beginners without also going through an affordable one for adults. The Spalding Pro Tack indoor and outdoor basketball is a ball that has it all. It comes from a good brand, is affordable, and is durable too, as it has a performance composite leather cover finished with foil-accented logos.

In addition, this basketball’s tack provides a clinging grip giving it a soft feel to the touch. As for ball control and dribbling, well, let’s just say Spalding isn’t considered one of the best in the industry for nothing. This ball’s easy grip surface makes it easier for players to pass, dribble, and shoot.

However, one major issue this ball has is that it loses air really quickly. So if non-stop playing is what you’re after, this might be a problem. This might also sometimes affect the bounce of the ball, making it inconsistent and, as such, not ideal in a professional sports environment.

Pros

• Not too expensive
• Good texture
• Durable
• Good grip

Cons

• Might feel sticky
• Not good at retaining air

Nike Adult Elite Tournament Basketball

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Our final entry on this list comes from one of the most well-known brands in the entire sports world, Nike. While they don’t specialize in basketball manufacturing, their Elite Tournament Basketball is definitely a solid product. Being able to be used both indoors and outdoors, this is the ball to buy for all Nike fans around the world.

Of course, branding isn’t the only thing going for it. For starters, the ball is made of rubber and faux leather, which gives it a durable design that is built to last. 84% rubber and 16% synthetic leather to be specific. Of course, the high rubber percentage helps in the durability aspect, although it gives it a hard feel as to be expected.

Also, the ball has deep grooves which assist in controlling the ball and makes it easier to grip it. However, as to be expected from a ball of this brand, it isn’t exactly light on the wallet.

Pros

• Nike branding
• Very durable
• Good grip

Cons

• Hard feel
• Pricey

In Conclusion

So to conclude, while there definitely isn’t a shortage of good quality indoor basketballs in the market, certain features might make certain balls look more appealing to you which might affect your choice.

 We hope that this ultimate guide that compared all of the best indoor basketballs available to buy helped you in finding the one indoor basketball that best suits you!