Finding the best indoor basketball in 2017 can be a challenge when you look around. There are hundreds of different styles, brands, sizes, types, etc. of balls so what’s the best for you when you want to play indoors? Well, we have searched through the top brands and created this list. Instead of wasting time driving around the stores seeing dozens of options, just take a look here at the best 5 and choose what fits for you.
If you play exclusively outdoors, click here
OR
If you play both inside and outside, click here
We’re going to show the comparison between the top 5 balls on the market and give options for your budget. First things first, you need to know what size ball you’re looking for. Take a look at the size chart and figure out where you fall and what size you need.
Page Contents
Top 5 Best Indoor Basketball
| Basketball | Material | Sizes Available | Rating | Number of Reviews | Price | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spaulding NBA Official Game Ball | Leather | 7 |  (4.3 / 5) | 15 | $$$ | Here |
 Wilson NCAA Solution Official Game Ball | Leather | 6 7 |  (4.6 / 5) | 129 | $$ | Here |
 Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Ball | Composite Leather | 6 7 |  (4.7 / 5) | 652 | $$ | Here |
 Baden Elite Indoor Game Ball | Microfiber Composite Leather | 6 7 | (4.7 / 5) | 93 | $$ | Here |
 Spalding NBA Replica Indoor Outdoor Game Ball | Composite Leather | 6 7 |  (4.4 / 5) | 35 | $ | Here |
Size Chart:
| Basketball Size | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Size 7 - Official 29.5" 22 oz | Men Age 12+ |
| Size 6 - Intermediate 28.5" 20 oz | Women Age 12+ Boys Age 9-12 |
| Size 5 - Junior 27.5" 17 oz | Youth Age 8-10 |
| Size 4 25.5" 14 oz | Youth Age 5-7 |
| Size 3 - Mini 22" 10 oz | Youth Age 3-6 |
Size 7 – Official size for men’s high school, college, and NBA
Size 6 – Official size for women’s high school, college, and WNBA
Size 5 – Standard size for youth (under 12) organized basketball
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What Material Do I Want For The Best Indoor Basketball:
The material you choose will have an impact on how the ball feels and performs indoors. For indoors, you have two options: leather and synthetic
Leather:
The original and undeniably best material for indoor balls. The NBA and WNBA only use real leather basketball for a true feeling. However, these are the most expensive. Pure leather balls usually require a few games to “break-in” the feel.
Synthetic (Composite) Leather:
The cheaper version of real leather that still feels similar to real leather. Composite leather balls don’t require the “break-in” period and can usually be used on both indoor and outdoor courts. These also usually last longer when used properly.
Top Indoor Basketball Reviews
Spalding NBA Official Game Ball
The official ball of the NBA is an easy choice when you’re looking for the purest ball on the market. This is what the pros use so why shouldn’t you? Spalding balls have been the official NBA ball since 1983 and WNBA since 1997 and have withstood many years as the leagues’ front runners in trusted basketball construction. With it’s embedded official NBA logo, this ball will have you feeling great when crossing your opponents over and dropping a three to win the game.
This is one of the few balls that still uses full grain leather as the top layer cover. The leather is what separates it as the NBA choice because it is superior quality that feels true with every bounce. When used exclusively indoors, this ball can last a long time even when used consistently. The Spalding ball definitely gives a great feeling when you dribble or shoot, but some skeptics have claimed this ball feels slippery and cheap in their reviews.
The reviews for this Spalding ball have been truly great. Of all reviews checked, 66% rated the ball a 5 out of 5 and another 7% rated 4 out of 5. When you’re looking for the true ball the professionals use, this ball is the one.
Wilson NCAA Solution Official Game Ball
This Wilson ball is the official basketball of the NCAA tournament for both men and women. This should give you confidence that it is being used by elite athletes and can provide the same benefits to you. Wilson patented an exclusive Cushion Core technology that they claim provides the best quality bounce and feel on the market.
Wilson also improved their channel bindings and now use another patented technology called Aqua Grip laid-in channels. This helps the ball absorb moisture to keep it dry even when you sweat. This is a very unique feature and definitely one to consider in hot gyms that make you sweat heavily.
The reviews for this ball have been tremendous. Of all reviews checked, 79% rated the ball a 5 out of 5 and another 11% rated 4 out of 5. This should give you assurance when you choose this ball knowing that tons of people have found it to be the perfect partner during killer workouts and games.
Wilson Evolution Game Ball Official
This Wilson ball is the official ball of the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) which means it is used in nearly all high schools around the USA. It has been around for a long time and is well trusted among players, coaches, and athletic staff in schools. It has the same high quality material as the Solution ball, including the Cushion Core technology and the Aqua Grip channels. This ball is covered in a high quality microfiber composite leather to help with ball control and feel. It is well appreciated for the ability to retain air (thus keeping a true bounce) and maintain proper grip even after long years of wear and tear.
This ball has hundreds of reviews that have been spectacular. Of all reviews checked, 83% rated the ball 5 out of 5 and another 9% rated 4 out of 5.
Baden Elite Indoor Game Ball
This company Baden makes high quality basketballs that are usually unnoticed compared to the powerhouses like Spalding and Wilson. However, don’t be fooled that their quality is any less than those others. In fact, this Baden ball has also been approved by the NFHS and is found in many high schools and colleges as their official ball.
Two patented features make this ball unique. The first is the Cushion Control technology that gives the ball a soft feel and true bounce because thousands of tiny air cells are embedded in the cover. The second is the Stealth Soft-Valve system that reduces the rubber exposed in the valve system which helps soften the valve panel and give better control.
This ball was reviewed and rated very well overall. Of all reviews checked, 78% rated the ball 5 out of 5 and another 14% rated it 4 out of 5.
Spalding Indoor/Outdoor Replica Game Ball
Spalding obviously makes great basketballs and this is one of the few that actually makes multiple lists. This is one of the few balls that can effectively be played on multiple surfaces, but since this is all about indoor play that’s what we will focus on. This ball has a more unique cover of composite leather than the others because it is designed to handle some rougher outside environments. With it’s great grip and official NBA logo on the panels, you can be sure this one will handle the easier wear of inside courts since it can also handle the outside elements. Also, the price is a little bit cheaper for this version so you can consider this option if budget is tight.
The reviews for this ball have been fairly high and commendable. Of all reviews found, 60% rated the ball a 5 out of 5 and another 25% rated it 4 out of 5.
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Some Final Thoughts & Tips
So here’s our last tips for keeping an indoor basketball lasting a long time. Keep it in a plastic bag when you aren’t using it! This sounds simple, but it keeps dirt and other gunk off the ball. This has increased the life of our basketball 2-3 times. A bag only costs a few bucks but it can save you from buying a ball every year.
Second, always have a small ball pump in your bag. These little pumps are just a few bucks and are super easy to travel with. This will help you always have the right amount of air. Nothing is more frustrating than a deflated ball when you’re at the gym. Just pick up a pump.
Lastly, if you really want a great experience, invest in a sticky mat. You see these things all the time in the NBA and there’s a good reason for it. Sticky mats get all the junk and dirt and dust off your shoes that wiping just can’t.
It seriously is something I won’t go to the gym without these days. I hate walking on dusty floors (with my super nice shoes) and slipping around everywhere. Give the floors a quick wipe and your shoes a quick stick, and you’ll be good to go.
Now you’ve seen the methods to choose your best indoor basketball. Don’t just take the reviews for their word and always feel free to ask a friend. They might even let you play with a ball they prefer so you can actually feel the differences. Also, don’t forget to use the best protection when playing this crazy game. Ankle braces and knee braces Best of luck and play hard!
