Best Tennis Balls of 2024 – CNET

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$14 at Walmart

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Best tennis balls for most players

Wilson US Open Tennis Balls

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$12 at Amazon

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Best tennis balls for hard courts

Penn Championship Tennis Balls

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$5 at Amazon

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Most versatile tennis balls

Wilson Profile All Court Tennis Balls

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$10 at Amazon

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Easy-to-find tennis balls

Penn Pink Championship Extra Duty Tennis Ball Can

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$29 at Amazon

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Best tennis balls for beginners

Penn QST 36 Tennis Balls

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$11 at Amazon

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Tennis balls with a great value

Wilson Tour Comp Tennis Balls [Out of Stock]

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Whether you’re a lifelong tennis player or just saw Challengers, you’ll know that tennis can’t be played with just any ball. From bounce to court surface to altitude, the quality of a tennis ball depends on a variety of factors, so I did the work for you to find the best tennis balls to up your game this summer.

I’ve played tennis most of my life, so I’ve tried out a number of tennis ball brands over the years. Both of my kids play too, so I’m familiar with training balls for beginners and how junior balls differ from your standard yellow ball. Based on my personal experience and buyer reviews, I’ve rounded up a list of the best tennis ball options available today for every level of player. If you’re looking for the best balls for playing fetch with Fido, check out our list of the best dog toys.

While the US Open is played on acrylic hard courts, these regular-duty tennis balls are designed for both clay and indoor courts. If you’re a recreational player, like most of us are, these balls are a very good pick. They also last a long time for a regular-duty ball, which is important, since most recreational players typically don’t plan on purchasing balls on a regular basis.

If you’re a serious tennis player and you plan on playing three or four days a week, the Penn Championship tennis ball is an excellent choice. These extra-duty tennis balls are designed for harder courts, which means they have a thicker felt for added durability and longevity. They’re also USA and ITF-approved for competitive play.

Wilson’s Profile All Court Tennis Balls are a popular choice thanks to their versatility; they perform well on pretty much any court surface, even hard outdoor courts. These pressurized balls have a consistent bounce, and their signature Duraweave felt gives them added durability. They’re excellent balls for multiple uses; great for practice, competing or casual play. 

While most of my picks have focused on durability, longevity and bounce, let’s not forget one important thing: How easy is it to find your balls on a crowded court? When you’re sharing your space with multiple players or with someone who’s having a lesson in the next court over, it’s hard to locate which balls are yours. These pink balls are the answer. The best part is that, for every can sold, Penn will donate 15 cents to benefit breast cancer research.

If you’re new to tennis, it’s best to start out with a set of tennis balls that can help you gain control and more experience. We’re big fans of the Penn QST ball since they’re 75% slower than your average yellow ball and they have a lower compression for easier bounce.

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, these Tour Comp tennis balls from Wilson are a great value. Perfect for recreational play or practice hitting, these balls hold up reasonably well and have an even bounce. Since you’re getting four balls per can, it’s hard to beat the price.