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  4. 10 Best Volleyballs of 2023 (Molten, Tachikara, and More)
  • 10 Best Volleyballs of 2023 (Molten, Tachikara, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Volleyballs of 2023 (Molten, Tachikara, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Volleyballs of 2023 (Molten, Tachikara, and More) 3
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10 Best Volleyballs of 2023 (Molten, Tachikara, and More)

Looking for a sport you can enjoy with family and friends whether it rains or shines? Volleyball is a great team sport you can play both indoors on a court or at a gym and outdoors at the beach or even your own backyard. Because volleyball is a versatile sport, it's important to make sure you're buying the right ball for your particular interests and needs. 


Our top pick, the Molten Premium Competition L2 Volleyball with official size and weight, is great for indoor and outdoor play, competitive and recreational use, crafted with durable yet soft materials, and offered in many play-enhancing color combinations. For tips on how to pick the right volleyball for your game needs, feel free to scroll down to our handy Buying Guide.

Last updated 10/03/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Volleyball - Buying Guide

To help find the right volleyball for you, we recommend considering whether you'll be playing indoors or outdoors, expertise levels, differences in materials, and league certifications. 

1

Consider Whether You Want to Play Indoors or Outdoors

Your volleyball will differ in size and configuration depending on whether you’re using it indoors on a court or outdoors on a beach. 

Indoor and Outdoor Volleyballs Differ Slightly in Size and Configuration

Indoor and Outdoor Volleyballs Differ Slightly in Size and Configuration

A regulation indoor volleyball is between 25 and a half to 26 and a half inches in circumference. On the other hand, a standard beach volleyball is between 26 to 27 inches.

Indoor and outdoor volleyballs are also configured with different levels of internal pressure, measured by psi, or pounds per square inch. This number can help indicate how easily the ball can travel once hit, as well as how effectively it bounces off surfaces. 


As a rule of thumb, a lower psi means an easier ability to hit the ball with force, but it also means it is less effective in bouncing off hard surfaces.

An indoor volleyball has a psi of four point three, while a beach volleyball has a psi between two point five to three point two. Beach volleyballs tend to have lower psis because they don't need much internal pressure to bounce off absorbent sand compared to a hard court floor.

Indoor Volleyballs Are Built With Smoothness and Consistency in Mind

Indoor Volleyballs Are Built With Smoothness and Consistency in Mind

Volleyballs are made of an outer layer called the outer shell with leather, synthetic materials, or composite materials, and an inner core called the bladder which is often made with lightweight rubber. The outer layer is composed of eight panels.


For indoor volleyballs, these panels are glued together to ensure a seamless configuration. Smoothness is crucial for these balls because they must be able to bounce off surfaces accurately. If the panels were to be stitched together, the grooves in their seams can cause the ball to veer off in unintended directions upon contact.

Outdoor Volleyballs Are Built to Resist the Elements

Outdoor Volleyballs Are Built to Resist the Elements

An outdoor volleyball's panels are sewn together rather than glued together. This configuration allows for a greater focus on rigidity against rougher surfaces like sand and soil, as well as protection against UV rays and weather conditions like wind or rain.


Outdoor volleyballs can tend to weigh slightly more than an indoor volleyball to ensure that they don't fly away under windy conditions.

2

Adjust Size According to Age Range and Expertise Level

Adjust Size According to Age Range and Expertise Level

Volleyballs for youth are often made slightly smaller to make learning volleyball skills easier at first. These smaller volleyballs can be used for beginner adult players as well, if they want to focus on practicing foundational skills before beginning games or if they still don’t feel comfortable with a standard volleyball.


However, both youth and beginners alike should always aim to upgrade to a standard-sized volleyball after gaining basic familiarity with a smaller one. If you refrain from doing so, you may feel too unfamiliar with a standard volleyball and may lose some of the skills you worked hard to gain previously.

3

Consider Differences in Materials for Professional or Recreational Use

Consider Differences in Materials for Professional or Recreational Use

If you are looking for league-certified volleyballs and are practicing for professional games, getting a volleyball with a leather outer shell may be most suitable for you. 


But if you’re just looking to rally with your friends or play a fun game outdoors, a synthetic or composite volleyball would be a great alternative.


Typically, volleyballs with leather outer shells are regarded as high-quality volleyballs and certified for professional use. However, since each leather volleyball is made differently, some can be harder than others in the beginning and some can require breaking in. Once they're broken in, they're durable and reliable.


Other volleyballs are made with synthetic or composite materials. Composite volleyballs tend to be recommended as practice balls for youths or beginners trying to master the basics.


Some of these volleyballs are even made with a foam outer layer to allow for softer contact. Some leagues have even certified these composite volleyballs for professional use.

4

Look for Professional Certifications if Needed

Look for Professional Certifications if Needed

Some volleyballs are approved or certified by national sports' associations, such as the National Federation of State High School Associations. Certifications from the NFHS are best for competitive players at the middle or high school level.


Sizes can vary from official, for competitive players, to 12U, 10U, and 8U for recreational play and youth practice. Some recreational or all-purpose balls can also sometimes be labeled as "official" in size and weight. Recreational or casual players do not necessarily need certified volleyballs.

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10 Best Volleyballs

Our 10 best volleyballs list incorporates a range of needs and interests, whether you want to play at the park with your friends or at a court for a competitive league.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Molten

L2

Molten L2 1枚目

Best Official Volleyball for All Age Groups and Skill Levels

2

Wilson

Soft Play Volleyball

Wilson Soft Play Volleyball 1枚目

Best Volleyball for All Settings

3

Tachikara

Sensi-Tec Composite VolleyballSV-5WSC

Tachikara Sensi-Tec Composite Volleyball 1枚目

Best Official Volleyball for Recreational Beginners

4

Wilson

OPTX AVP Official Beach Volleyball

Wilson OPTX AVP Official Beach Volleyball 1枚目

Best AVP-Certified Beach Volleyball

5

Mikasa

Light Up LED Volleyball

Mikasa Light Up LED Volleyball 1枚目

Best Competitive Volleyball for Advanced and League Players

6

Tachikara

Volley Lite Game BallSV-MNC

Tachikara Volley Lite Game Ball 1枚目

Best Lightweight Training Volleyball for Youth and Beginners

7

Molten

FLISTATEC VolleyballV5M5000

Molten FLISTATEC Volleyball 1枚目

Best Competitive Volleyball With Many Certifications

8

Tachikara

Composite Leather VolleyballSV-18S

Tachikara Composite Leather Volleyball 1枚目

Best Indoor Practice Ball for Camps and Schools

9

Runleaps

Official Size 5 Volleyball

Runleaps Official Size 5 Volleyball 1枚目

Best Waterproof Volleyball for the Beach and Pool

10

Molten

Recreational VolleyballMS500

Molten Recreational Volleyball 1枚目

Best Vibrantly Colored Volleyball for Casual Games

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

MoltenL2

L2 Image 1
Source:amazon.com
L2 Image 2
Source:amazon.com
L2 Image 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$34.99
Reference price
$34.99

Best Official Volleyball for All Age Groups and Skill Levels

Pros:

  • Microfiber cover for soft touch and durable grip 
  • Approved by many associations and leagues
  • Official size and weight 
  • Comes in many different color combinations
  • All colorways crafted strategically to facilitate better spin and ball detection while playing
  • Versatile use across different age ranges and expertise levels
  • Comes with a one-year warranty   

Cons:

  • Ball comes partially inflated and must be inflated fully by customer 

 

This volleyball has many certifications and can be used for both competitive and recreational use indoors. Its soft yet durable microfiber cover allows for a comfortable touch and secure grip at the same time. It comes in many color combinations, to facilitate better ball and spin detection and match your team's colors


Some reviewers were disappointed that the ball needed to be inflated once they received it. Other reviewers were very pleased with the way this volleyball managed to be soft, sturdy, and lightweight all at the same time.

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No.2

WilsonSoft Play Volleyball

Reference price
$14.22

Best Volleyball for All Settings

Pros:

  • Made with painless playing in mind 
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors 
  • Machine-sewn outer shell protects against sun and sand
  • Suitable for beginners and advanced players
  • Official size and weight

Cons:

  • Doesn't have many league certifications

Though Wilson's Soft Play volleyball has a soft and spongey outer layer for painless playing, it's strong enough for professionals thanks to also its sturdy machine-sewn synthetic leather. It's gentle enough for beginners or younger players and can be used indoors and outdoors.


Some reviewers didn't like that the paint on some of the colored versions peeled off easily. However, most others were impressed at how durable the ball was against rougher surfaces and were happy that the ball didn't sting as much as others when they hit it. Some also used this for Little League games. 

No.3

TachikaraSensi-Tec Composite VolleyballSV-5WSC

Reference price
$39.99

Best Official Volleyball for Recreational Beginners

Pros:

  • Official size and weight
  • Offers many colorways, each made to enhance ball detection 
  • Versatile and suitable for all age and skill levels 
  • Tachikara's Loose Bladder Construction technology focuses on smoother movement 

Cons:

  • Ball ships deflated 
  • Certifications not specified

This official-sized volleyball is made of composite leather with Tachikara's patented Loose Bladder Construction, which they claim improves ball flight and facilitates smoother movement. Offering many different color combinations, Tachikara also makes sure their colorways are crafted both strategically to facilitate detection and creatively for aesthetic purposes.


Some reviewers expressed disappointment that it didn't last as long as they expected and tears appeared in the leather. However, most other reviewers liked the stability of the ball's flight during play and found that this was a good ball for recreational beginners, especially during practice sessions.   

No.4

WilsonOPTX AVP Official Beach Volleyball

Reference price
$74.95

Best AVP-Certified Beach Volleyball

Pros:

  • Made with vibrant color variance for easier ball tracking
  • Designed specifically for the beach for reliable outdoor use
  • AVP official certification 
  • Handcrafted 

Cons: 

  • The outer layer tailored to watery beach settings could be too slippery for use in other settings

This ball is the official volleyball of the AVP tour and was crafted with careful color variance for spin detection and ball tracking, particularly in outdoor environments where sun glare can be a factor. While this ball is geared toward competitive outdoor games on the beach, it can also be enjoyed by those playing for fun near the water.


Some reviewers received balls they thought were too slippery, lost some of the color and graphics too easily, or stopped holding air over time. But most reviewers found the ball to be of good quality for outdoor play. They were impressed by how the vibrant colors helped ball tracking and how soft the outer layer was despite it being an outdoor volleyball.

No.5

MikasaLight Up LED Volleyball

Reference price
$70.50

Best Competitive Volleyball for Advanced and League Players

Pros:

  • Used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics 
  • Aerodynamic design to improve ball movement and control 
  • Double-dimpled microfiber outer shell to enhance better grip 
  • Outer shell made to be sweat-proof and prevent slipperiness 
  • Unique design to enhance spin detection 

Cons:

  • Tailored more for advanced players, not beginners 

Mikasa's Olympics-approved V200W volleyball is known for its aerodynamic 18-panel design, crafted to improve smooth ball movement. Its double-dimpled microfiber outer shell not only enhances grip, but is also made with an anti-sweat coating that prevents the ball from getting too slippery.


A few reviewers noted that the ball was quite hard and painful to play with, even if you're an advanced player. However, the majority of customers appreciated how effectively this ball allowed for smooth sets, hits, and serves, and its unique design which made spin detection much easier.

No.6

TachikaraVolley Lite Game BallSV-MNC

Reference price
$34.99

Best Lightweight Training Volleyball for Youth and Beginners

Pros:

  • Engineered to be 25 percent lighter than official weight for easier practice for beginners and youth 
  • Comes in a variety of colorways
  • Soft synthetic cover for comfortable play 
  • Official size 

Cons:

  • Ball ships deflated 
  • Not official weight 

This is a volleyball recommended for youth aged 12 and under or beginners learning and practicing the basics. It's designed to be softer and 25 percent lighter than the official weight and size of volleyballs. This lets youth and beginners practice and develop skills with less risk of injuries.


Some reviewers didn't like that the ball had to be inflated before each practice and how it tended to lose air if it sat in storage. However, the majority of customers appreciated how soft the ball was and how it enabled their children to learn hitting and passing without getting marks on their skin or feeling the sting of contact.

No.7

MoltenFLISTATEC VolleyballV5M5000

Reference price
$69.99

Best Competitive Volleyball With Many Certifications

Pros:

  • Certified by many associations and leagues
  • Official volleyball for the NCAA Men's Championships 
  • Two-year warranty
  • Textured microfiber cover for enhanced grip and accuracy
  • Color design made for enhanced visibility 

Cons:

  • Not very tailored for beginners or youth players 

This ball is the official volleyball of the NCAA Men's Championships, has a two-year warranty, and is certified by NORCECA and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Its outer premium microfiber shell is embedded with texture to enhance grip and accuracy whether it's in passing, setting, or hitting. 


Some reviewers experienced problems with the seams cracking or showing early wear and tear. Others had issues with the ball not staying inflated. However, the majority were impressed with their ability to grip the ball and hit well thanks to its textured microfiber cover. Some also noted that they were able to pass with better precision.

No.8

TachikaraComposite Leather VolleyballSV-18S

Reference price
$26.47

Best Indoor Practice Ball for Camps and Schools

Pros:

  • Focused on softness for recreational play and practice
  • Official size and weight 
  • Versatile use for beginners to advanced players 
  • Sturdy construction designed for frequent use

Cons:

  • Certifications not specified 
  • May need reinflating often

This volleyball is constructed with durable yet comfortable softness in mind, with a composite material that is layered on a bladder that's reinforced with cotton. The layers of this volleyball provide a softer touch for players whose skin may be more sensitive or not as acclimated to contact.


Some had problems keeping the ball inflated and others found that the seams did not hold together well. But more reviewers thought the ball was good to play practice matches or use for casual games between friends and family. They found the firmness of the ball to be ideal for practicing as well.

No.9

RunleapsOfficial Size 5 Volleyball

Official Size 5 Volleyball Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Official Size 5 Volleyball Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Official Size 5 Volleyball Image 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Reference price
$17.99

Best Waterproof Volleyball for the Beach and Pool

Pros:

  • Waterproof and weatherproof outer shell 
  • Official size and weight
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Soft for all ages and expertise levels
  • Comes in a few vibrant colorways

Cons:

  • Arrives deflated

This waterproof and heat-resistant volleyball is best for playing a fun outdoor game, even at the pool. The polyurethane outer shell is made with both comfort and weather resistance in mind, making it a great option for all indoor and outdoor settings. 


Some reviewers experienced problems with the ball deflating after a few uses and found it a hassle to keep inflating it frequently. However, other reviewers appreciated the ball's durability against outdoor conditions like sand and water and found it a perfect choice for the backyard or pool.

No.10

MoltenRecreational VolleyballMS500

Reference price
$16.50

Best Vibrantly Colored Volleyball for Casual Games

Pros:

  • Fun and unique designs perfect for children 
  • Good for indoor or outdoor use
  • Official size and weight 
  • Beginner- and youth-friendly 
  • Soft feel

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said it loses air fast

Molten's Recreational Volleyball is made for recreational indoor and outdoor use, and to hold up to summer camp use or frequent practices. Not only does the ball's soft polyurethane cover sting less on impact, making it beginner-friendly, but it also comes in many fun and unique designs perfect for younger children. 


Some reviewers found the ball to be too slippery and hard to grip. Others thought it didn't retain air as well as other models. But most found the ball worked well for practice in the backyard or with younger children looking to try out their skills. They also liked that the ball could be used in a variety of environments. 

Need Some Sports Equipment?

Get ready for your volleyball match with some sports basics. Check out these other items that can keep you in the zone!

Amazon's Best Selling Volleyballs

If you're still unsure what to choose, feel free to browse Amazon's best sellers link for volleyballs.

Top 5 Volleyballs

No. 1: MoltenL2

No. 2: WilsonSoft Play Volleyball

No. 3: TachikaraSensi-Tec Composite VolleyballSV-5WSC

No. 4: WilsonOPTX AVP Official Beach Volleyball

No. 5: MikasaLight Up LED Volleyball

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