10 Best Basketballs 2025 in the United States

The Wilson NCAA Final Four Edition Indoor/Outdoor Basketball in size 7 (29.5 inches) is a solid choice for players aged 12 and up. Its high-performance composite leather makes it durable, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. The deep channels provide excellent grip and control, which is vital for dribbling and shooting.

The basketball also boasts an impressive air retention system, meaning you won’t have to re-inflate it frequently. Given its official status with the NCAA, it's a preferred choice for many basketball enthusiasts and aligns with the standards of professional play.

The weight (1 pound) and color (brown) are standard, making it comfortable and familiar for regular use. One of the standout features is its durability, thanks to the high-performance composite cover that withstands regular wear and tear. However, while it’s great for both indoor and outdoor settings, some users may find that the grip might wear down more quickly with frequent outdoor use compared to solely indoor play. It’s a versatile and well-rounded option for recreational basketball games or more serious practice sessions.

The Spalding TF DNA Smart Basketball is a size 7 (29.5") ball made from composite material, which offers a good balance of grip and durability suitable for various surfaces. This makes it ideal for players who want a reliable ball that can handle regular play without wearing out quickly. The composite outer provides a decent texture for control, while the bounce is consistent, matching expectations for standard indoor and outdoor basketballs.

What sets this ball apart is its smart technology, which works with a mobile app (iOS only) to track shots, provide instant feedback, and help improve shooting accuracy with detailed analytics. This feature is great for players at any level who want to practice more effectively and stay motivated through challenges and community games. However, it requires a compatible mobile device and an active subscription to access these smart functions, which means extra ongoing costs and some dependency on technology. Additionally, it’s not compatible with Android devices, limiting its accessibility.

The ball weighs about 1.02 kilograms, which is typical for an official men's size, and it comes with a one-year warranty, offering some peace of mind. Though it is a bit pricier than standard basketballs due to its smart features, the TF DNA is a strong choice for players serious about improving their game and looking for a ball that combines quality performance with innovative training tools.

The Wilson NCAA Evo NXT basketball is a size 7 ball, which is the standard size for adult men's basketball, making it suitable for serious players and competitive play. It’s made with a Micro-Touch composite leather cover, which offers a soft feel and improved grip, even when your hands get sweaty. This material also helps with moisture management, reducing slipperiness during fast-paced games. The ball’s super soft core provides extra cushioning, allowing better finger control and a softer touch—this is great if you want a ball that feels comfortable to handle and shoot. Thanks to the composite pebbled channels, the texture is consistent all around, enhancing your grip and control.

The ball is designed with Extended Range Technology to help generate more spin with less effort, which can improve shooting accuracy. It’s also officially approved for high school (NFHS) and NCAA play, so it meets competitive standards. A bonus is the bright Electric Orange color, which improves ball visibility on the court, even in dim lighting. On the downside, as an indoor-only basketball, it’s not built for outdoor use, where rough surfaces could wear it down faster. Composite leather generally doesn’t last as long outdoors compared to genuine leather or rubber balls.

Some players might prefer a firmer feel over the soft core, depending on personal preference. This ball is best suited for indoor recreational and competitive players looking for excellent grip, a soft touch, and good control in a regulation-sized basketball.