Indoor Pickleball Balls: The Secret to Smashing Your Friends Without Breaking a Lamp

Pickleball has people sprinting across courts with paddles, chasing a plastic ball that looks like it can’t decide if it’s a wiffle ball or a golf ball. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos—until you grab the wrong ball and suddenly realize, wow, not all pickleball balls are created equal.

Indoor pickleball balls exist for smooth gym floors, where wind isn’t an issue but control definitely is.

The main thing that makes indoor pickleball balls different is their design. They have fewer, larger holes than outdoor balls.

That’s not just for show—those big holes help the ball move at a good pace and cut down on wild bouncing, so you’re not running after every shot. The material and weight also matter, changing how the ball feels and how long it survives your hardest smashes.

When we pick the best indoor pickleball ball, we really look at how tough the material is, if the balls keep their shape, and whether they give us decent control. Some balls crack after a few games, while others just keep going like nothing happened.

We spent hours bouncing and smashing a bunch of different indoor pickleball balls to find which ones actually make the game fun—and not just a chase-fest.

Best Indoor Pickleball Balls

Let’s be real—our living rooms were never meant for flying balls, but here we are. We dug up the best indoor pickleball balls so we all get a shot at bragging rights (and maybe fewer broken lamps).

Check out our top picks before you take your next swing.

Onix Recruit Indoor Pickleball Balls

If you want indoor pickleball balls that bounce true, last a long time, and actually look like they belong on a pickleball court, these are worth grabbing.

Pros

• Stays round and tough after loads of games—almost like it’s been hitting the gym
• The orange color is so bright, it could probably double as a road flare
• The bounce is lively but not out of control, so you can keep your dignity

Cons

• Price is a bit high, but at least they don’t crack after two hits
• Bounce might feel too springy for folks who want a dead ball
• High visibility means every footwork mistake gets noticed

We’ve put the Onix Recruit Indoor Pickleball Balls through the wringer (a.k.a. our twice-weekly rec league). These balls are built for real pickleball, not for frustrated baseball coaches.

From the first rally to the last, these balls keep their shape and hold up way better than the random discount ones we’ve tried. None of us had to stop play because a ball went egg-shaped, which honestly felt like a minor miracle.

The orange is not exactly subtle—it’s like playing pickleball with mini traffic cones. On the bright side, nobody’s losing balls in a gym corner or under someone’s shoelaces.

We really appreciate not having to squint or guess if the ball hit the line.

There’s a bit more bounce than some other brands, which makes for a faster game and less wobble. That springiness is nice for lobs, but it might annoy anyone who loves a dead drop shot.

Overall, the Onix Recruit Indoor Balls are a solid pick if you’re tired of swapping out cracked balls. Just be warned—your excuses for missed shots might get even harder to believe.

Franklin Sports X-26 Indoor Pickleballs

If you want reliable indoor pickleball balls that stand out and don’t empty your wallet, these are worth a look.

Pros

• Pops against most gym floors
• Consistent bounce and a good game feel
• Twelve-pack means more play before you need to restock

Cons

• Lime green color can disappear against certain walls (where’d it go?)
• Some balls crack sooner than we’d like
• Large seam sometimes sends shots rolling in weird directions

After a few sets with the Franklin Sports X-26 balls, we liked their visibility—unless you play somewhere the walls match the ball color.

Tracking the ball is usually easy, and we liked the bounce from shot to shot. It’s also nice having plenty of backup balls since, let’s be honest, we’re pros at launching them across the court.

Every now and then, a ball cracks or splits earlier than we’d hoped, especially when someone goes wild with a power serve. The seam is pretty noticeable on these balls, which has led to some unpredictable bounces—and we’ll admit, we blame the ball for missed shots more than we should.

All jokes aside, buying the Franklin Sports X-26 Indoor Pickleballs makes sense if you’re playing inside and need a bunch of decent-quality balls. Just try not to match your gym décor to the ball color if you want to keep the game moving!

Boomer Quiet Foam Pickleballs

If you want to smack pickleballs around without the neighbors plotting against you, these are a good pick.

Pros

• Way quieter than plastic balls
• Safe for wall practice indoors (and pets don’t mind)
• Holds up for hours of volleying

Cons

• Softer than real pickleballs—less zip and spin
• Slightly muted bounce compared to tournament balls
• Dot pattern instead of real “pickleball” holes

Let’s be honest, regular pickleballs make that classic “pop!” sound that echoes through walls and rattles nerves. Boomer Quiet Foam Pickleballs have basically saved us from angry neighbors, thanks to their super quiet performance.

Nobody’s calling the HOA after a late-night rally in the living room.

After bouncing one off the TV stand (oops), we were glad these are made of foam. They feel soft but not flimsy, so you can hit drills and wall shots at home without breaking a lamp (or your spirits).

Using these for skills practice, we noticed the softer feel means our dinks don’t have as much zing, but the bounce and control work for training. The playful dot pattern tries its best, even if it can’t quite give you the real ball’s spin.

If you want a quieter game in a noise-sensitive space, these foam balls are a win.

Penn Indoor Pickleball Ball

If you want a ball for indoor play that stands out like a traffic cone and bounces like it knows what it’s doing, this one’s a contender.

Pros

• That neon color is impossible to lose, unless you’re playing with your eyes closed
• Balls cruise through the air reliably—no surprise swerves or dips
• Bounces stay consistent, so we’re not blaming the ball (well, not this time)

Cons

• Seams stand out more than our bright pickleball shirts
• They can soften up faster than we’d like
• Price feels high since some don’t last that long

After spinning these Penn balls across indoor courts, we really liked not having to hunt for them under neon lights or in someone’s gym bag.

The bright reddish-orange color makes the ball almost glow against any background, which helps for those of us still working on our “eagle-eyed” vision.

We could tell these are made for smooth, steady play. Airflow is good, and the bounce stays predictable, making rallies a lot more fun and less about chasing bad bounces.

The seams are pretty pronounced, so we got a few skeptical looks from friends who’ve used sleeker options.

What we didn’t love? These balls can lose their shape pretty quickly. The first few sessions feel great, but after a bit, they start to soften up and go a little flat—especially if you get competitive.

If we’re paying this much, we wish they’d last longer. But for pure visibility and solid indoor play, the Penn is tough to ignore.

Amoswiz Indoor Pickleballs, 6-Pack

If you’re hunting for brightly colored pickleball balls that can take a few hits (and maybe a stomp or two), this Amoswiz 6-pack keeps us entertained—and, honestly, pretty visible—on the court.

Pros

• Super easy to spot, even when our eyes are half-closed and the lighting’s a mess
• Lively bounce keeps games moving and fun
• Sturdy enough to survive most indoor rallies

Cons

• Cracks after a bunch of rough games
• Not as popular as the big brands (so, no trend points here)
• Spin can get unpredictable on weird courts

Let’s be real: indoor play means iffy lighting, echoey courts, and floors that aren’t always great. What stands out with these Amoswiz pickleballs is the color—we just don’t lose track, even when Dave manages to turn off half the gym lights again.

White balls and white walls? Nope, not a problem anymore.

We’ve put these balls through the wringer. They bounce well, feel snappy, and keep their shape for a good while. That thicker design means we can slam them around without worrying they’ll fall apart too soon.

If you’re playing nonstop, though, expect a few cracks after a marathon session or two.

The mesh bag helps a ton—you won’t spend forever hunting for escapee balls under the bleachers. They’re not the biggest name out there, but the Amoswiz balls keep our games rolling with solid performance and a punch of color that’s hard to beat.

GAMMA Photon Indoor Pickleballs

If you want an indoor pickleball that’s reliable, easy on the eyes, and tough enough to survive our questionable serves, the GAMMA Photon is a solid pick.

Pros

• Bright color pops on almost any court
• Consistent bounce we can actually count on
• Built tough, so we’re not chasing cracked balls every round

Cons

• Feels a bit soft after a while
• Pricier than the no-name backup balls
• A little too lively if you prefer heavier balls

Honestly, the first thing we noticed about the GAMMA Photon balls is how easy they are to spot—we couldn’t lose sight of them if we tried.

That optic green might be the brightest thing in the gym, making it much less “Where’d that ball go?” and way more “Can someone turn down the brightness?”

We’ve smashed, sliced, and dinked these for weeks, and the bounce stays nice and predictable. They never really veer off or act weird on the gym floor.

The 26 holes keep the flight steady, and these don’t crumble after a few games like some others.

After several rounds, the balls can feel a bit softer, especially if we’re going hard at practice. Still, they outlast most discount options.

For anyone tired of chasing unpredictable, invisible, or cracked pickleballs indoors, the GAMMA Photon Indoor Pickleballs keep things fun and lively—and way less mysterious.

Navona 40-Pack Indoor Pickleballs

If you need a ton of bright orange pickleballs for indoor play without draining your wallet, this is the pack we’d grab.

Pros

• Massive 40 ball pack—we’ll lose a few and never notice
• Sturdy feel that holds up through lots of games
• Super visible color, hard to miss under gym lights

Cons

• A couple split at the seam faster than we hoped
• Not as soft as some of our favorites
• Might not win over the diehards

Opening this 40-pack feels a bit like a birthday surprise. We can scatter balls everywhere and still have plenty for the next match—or, let’s be real, for when one rolls under the bleachers for the tenth time.

That orange color is impossible to miss, so we don’t have to crawl around the floor like we lost our contacts.

In play, these Navona indoor balls bounce predictably. The material’s on the firmer side, which makes rallies a little zippier than usual.

Some advanced players in our group muttered about the feel being different from the “usual,” but once the games got rolling, we barely noticed—unless one split open mid-match. That’s what backups are for.

With this many in the bag (and a mesh bag included), we don’t stress about a ball or two biting the dust. These are perfect for practice, casual games, or even tossing into a backyard game when the mood strikes.

Are they the fanciest balls we’ve played with? Not really, but at this price and quantity, they’re a no-brainer for the “more balls, less problems” crowd.

Warping Point Indoor Pickleballs

If you want a durable, high-bounce ball that’s easy to spot and easy to carry, these indoor pickleballs are a solid choice.

Pros

• Great bounce and consistent flight—almost like they’re showing off
• Super visible, even for those of us with questionable eyesight
• Comes with a mesh bag so we don’t lose them under the car seat

Cons

• Only two color options—fashionistas, sorry
• Won’t hold up outside (let’s keep ’em in)
• Sometimes bounce a bit too high for beginners

When we tried the Warping Point Indoor Pickleballs, we noticed right away how bouncy they feel. Shots come off crisp and snappy, and the balls keep their shape, no matter how many times we smack them around.

We didn’t have to chase flat spots or cracks after a dozen games, which is a relief.

The bright orange color was a lifesaver. No more squinting across the gym, wondering if that’s our ball or a stray tennis ball from 2005.

The mesh bag actually did its job—no more fishing loose balls out of a sweaty gym bag. Our only gripe? We wish there were more colors so we could match our headbands.

If you occasionally miss the paddle (hey, it happens), these balls are easy enough to find and pick up. They’re not the fanciest thing in the gym, but if you want hassle-free, solid pickleball fun indoors, these balls make life a little easier—and a lot brighter.

GARYCE Indoor Pickleball Balls

If you’re looking for indoor pickleball balls that are easy to spot and don’t crack after a few competitive matches, you might want to give these a try.

Pros

• Super bright color makes tracking the ball easy
• Nice, true bounce with consistent flight
• Tough construction keeps them from breaking easily

Cons

• Thicker walls make the balls feel a bit heavier on soft hits
• Price is higher than those bargain packs
• Only available in chartreuse, so you’re stuck with that

When we first saw the GARYCE balls, we thought “chartreuse” was code for “you can’t lose this ball.” We were right.

We tried them on a wooden basketball court and had no trouble spotting them mid-rally—even when our reflexes were nowhere near Olympic-level.

The bounce stayed consistent every time. Those 26 holes really do something here, because the ball moves predictably, whether we’re lobbing a gentle shot or aiming a line drive down the sideline.

The thicker wall means we don’t have to worry about cracks, even after we get a little too fired up during a “friendly” doubles match.

If you’re the type who loves collecting pickleballs in every neon shade, options are limited. And for anyone who loves a super light touch, these aren’t the softest balls.

The GARYCE Indoor Pickleball Balls pack delivers reliable performance and visibility, so our game can stay sharp—even if our jokes on the court are a bit dull.

Navona Indoor Pickleball Balls

If you want a batch of indoor pickleballs with vivid color and springy bounce, the Navona set is a good pick for casual games—but keep an eye on those seams.

Pros

• Super bright and easy to spot under any lights
• Bouncy feel gives us lively rallies
• Bulk pack means enough balls to lose under every couch

Cons

• Some balls cracked quicker than we hoped
• Seams could be smoother for better grip
• Durability is a mixed bag—don’t expect miracles

Finding runaway pickleballs hiding under the furniture got a lot easier once we switched to this Navona Indoor Pickleball Balls set. The orange color is basically the “high-visibility vest” of pickleballs, so no more tripping over stuff while searching for lost balls.

When we put these balls into play, we noticed how bouncy and responsive they were right away. They never felt dead or heavy, and they zipped off our paddles just like we hoped.

With a dozen in the mesh bag, we didn’t stress when one rolled into a black hole under the fridge.

Not every ball made it through break-in week. A couple split at the seams faster than we finished our post-game snacks.

They mostly held up for group games, but we wouldn’t count on them to last tournament after tournament.

Buying Guide

Let’s be honest—shopping isn’t always a blast, unless we’re talking about snack food or maybe goofy vacation hats.

But picking out indoor pickleball balls? Let’s just keep it simple.

Size and Weight:
Nobody wants to swing at a bowling ball. Standard indoor balls measure about 2.87 inches across and weigh around 0.9 ounces.

Check for those numbers before tossing one in the cart.

Color Matters:
We all want to see the ball, right? Bright colors like yellow or orange pop against most backgrounds.

White balls just love to disappear in the lights. Let’s save hide-and-seek for our socks.

Number of Holes:
Indoor balls usually have 26 smaller holes. More holes mean less air drag.

They move a bit slower, which actually helps on indoor courts.

Here’s a quick reference:

Feature	Why It Matters
Size	Consistent play
Weight	Better control
Color	Easier to see
Hole Count	Smoother movement, less drag

Go ahead and squeeze the ball (gently, though). It should feel firm.

A squishy ball just throws off the whole game and makes us wonder what’s going on—or at least question the rules.

If we want to avoid weird bounces or mysterious roll-aways, we should look for balls with even holes and no strange shapes.

If it looks like an egg, honestly, just leave it for breakfast.