An exercise ball—sometimes referred to as a stability ball or Swiss ball—is a classic piece of fitness equipment that can help supplement your bodyweight workouts or even improve your posture and balance if used in place of a desk chair. The best exercise balls are a portable, lightweight, and inexpensive way to mix up your regular routine, says certified Pilates instructor Brittni Johnson, CPI. No matter how you incorporate them into your workouts, a good exercise ball will be the right size for your body, be made of durable materials, have a textured surface for safety, and have a high weight capacity.
To find the best exercise balls, we first consulted experts, including two personal trainers and one Pilates instructor, to learn more about what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we tested 16 expert-approved options in The Verywell Testing Lab alongside certified personal trainers, using them for a combination of moves, including jackknifes, wall squats, decline pushups, and more. We evaluated each one for its quality, versatility, comfort, portability, and value to find the top options on the market.
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Texture offers good grip, but doesn’t catch on bare skin
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Feels well-cushioned and comfy enough to sit on
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Comes with extra accessories
Key Specs
Size: 22, 26, or 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Pump, two plugs, plug puller | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable exercise ball for a home gym that can also be used in place of an office chair.
Why We Love It
Retrospec’s Luna Exercise Ball is versatile, fairly priced, and comes with added accessories that make it an excellent choice for both exercise and office use. For starters, the ball’s texture is grippy (yet comfortable), feels sturdy, and doesn’t pinch or catch on bare skin. In our tests, we found that it works well for floor exercises, such as leg curls, and is also large enough to offer support during exercises like a ball squat.
The ball provided plenty of cushioning for exercises where we had to put all of our weight on it. It also felt comfy enough to sit on. When used as a chair while working at our desk, the ball remained stable, mainly thanks to the optional base that keeps it in place. Plus, you get added accessories—like two plugs and a plug puller—which make deflating easy.
Potential Flaws
- This ball is larger than the others we tested, which makes it more challenging to perform exercises that require holding it in your hands, such as a ball pass.
Most Valuable Insight
“I really liked the feel of this exercise ball; it felt grippy enough that my legs weren’t slipping during exercises, but also not so grippy that it didn’t glide smoothly against the yoga mat during exercises like the leg curl.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 18, 22, 26, or 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Hand pump, inflation measuring tape, two ball plugs, ball plug removal tool, workout guide | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best if you’ve never used an exercise ball and want one that’s straightforward to set up and use for fitness.
Why We Love It
Thanks to its classic design and helpful workout guide, SmarterLife’s Workout Exercise Ball is our top choice for beginners. The package includes an inflation measuring tape to guide you in filling the ball to the expected capacity size, ensuring you don’t over- or underinflate it. In our tests, we found that the exercise ball took approximately eight minutes to inflate to the expected capacity. When fully inflated, it’s very lightweight and easy to move around when changing exercises.
We also love that this exercise ball comes with a downloadable exercise guide to help you get started incorporating it into your fitness routine. When tested against various exercises, it proved to be solid and stable. Its size made it very versatile, effectively accommodating a wide range of exercises.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed a slight chemical scent when removing the ball from the box for inflation, and the smell persisted even when handling and using it for exercise.
- This ball doesn’t come with a storage bag, so it might not be the best option for portability.
Most Valuable Insight
“At 5’4″ and sitting at a 28-inch desk height, this 26-inch ball is perfectly comfortable in providing cushioning and support when working on my computer. This exercise ball rolled smoothly without any issues. The material is durable enough that I feel perfectly safe and comfortable that it won’t deflate when exercising, and the non-stick texture won’t cause any discomfort on the skin or unnecessary chafing.” —Amy K., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 18, 22, 26, 30, or 33 inches | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Pump | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for people looking to replace their desk chair with a firm, durable stability ball that’s comfortably grippy and supportive.
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for an exercise ball that will double as a makeshift office chair and workout equipment, this is it. In our tests, we found Black Mountain Products’ Professional Grade Stability Ball to be slightly firmer and sturdier than the others we tested, and it was especially comfortable as a desk chair. The bigger size of this ball helped us sit a little taller and work on our posture, which is ideal when you’re replacing your desk chair with an exercise ball.
We liked that this ball felt grippy to the floor and stable without feeling sticky on our hands. It’s also anti-slip, which made it easy to perform various exercises with, and we felt stable throughout our workout and while using the ball as a chair. It feels like it will hold up over time and is very stable to use, both on the floor and under our body weight. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of sizes, from 18 to 33 inches, to accommodate various body types and needs.
Potential Flaws
- This exercise ball doesn’t come with any storage, case, or stand, so it may be difficult to transport.
- This ball took the longest to inflate, at just over 16 minutes. If you’re keeping it in a small apartment, it might not be convenient to deflate after each use.
Most Valuable Insight
“This ball performed very well throughout the exercises and tasks of the test! I felt very stable during the hamstring curl, and I felt that the ball provided an elevated workout intensity by forcing me to engage my core. I also felt that it tracked along the floor where I was directing it, without any slippage or wobbling.” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 22, 26, or 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Pump, digital workouts | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for taller people who prefer a larger exercise ball that provides solid support and cushioning.
Why We Love It
Gaiam’s Total Body Balance Ball Kit provides ample support, making it a great desk chair replacement and a staple for home workouts. We purchased the 26-inch ball, which is listed as best for heights 5’6″ to 6’1″. It felt larger than expected, but the ball was still lightweight enough to accommodate a wide range of exercises, providing solid stability and support, even during hamstring curls and wall squats.
In our tests, we found that the ball’s sturdy grip was great for preventing slips during exercises. We also love that it comes with full-length digital workouts you can easily tap to build your own at-home workouts. Also worth noting—this ball was fairly easy to inflate for use during exercise. The whole inflation process took roughly nine minutes.
Potential Flaws
- While easy to inflate, the included manual air pump leaked air while we were trying to inflate the ball.
Most Valuable Insight
“This ball provided adequate support and cushioning for most body positions and movements during exercises. It rolled smoothly without any issues and felt stable and solid during my exercise routine.” —Amy K., Verywell Fit product tester
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Feels supportive and safe
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Good anti-slip grip, without feeling sticky
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Glides smoothly during various movements
Key Specs
Size: 22 or 26 inches | Weight Capacity: 285 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Pump (optional) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Best for cost-conscious exercisers who plan to use the ball for exercise or as a chair for a lower table since it’s not too large.
Why We Love It
GalSports’ Anti-Sport Yoga Ball is available at an affordable price point, making it a practical choice for everyday use. In our tests, we found this ball to be both comfortable and cushioned. It glided smoothly between movements, feeling supportive and safe under us throughout various exercises.
The ball maintained a good grip on the floor without feeling sticky against our hands or leaving any residue behind. We also appreciate how surprisingly easy it is to inflate this ball—the whole process took under five minutes. And at this price point, incorporating this exercise ball into our home workout routine is a no-brainer.
Potential Flaws
- You’ll only be able to inflate the ball to 80% before its first use, and must wait at least 24 hours to inflate it fully.
- Its 285-pound weight capacity is lower than other exercise balls (some can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds).
Most Valuable Insight
“This exercise ball felt great—it was stable and maintained inflation throughout my workout routine.” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 18, 22, 26, or 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Plug, measuring tape | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who It’s For
Best for people who work from home and want to switch out their desk chair for a stability ball that’s durable and supportive enough to use all day.
Why We Love It
In addition to being an effective fitness accessory, Power Systems’ VersaBall Pro Stability Ball also makes a great alternative to an office or home desk chair. And we like that you can even pair it with a standing desk. Upon unboxing, we noted that this exercise ball felt durable, thick, and high-quality.
While testing, we were able to maintain a good grip on the ball during exercises like leg curls, and the ball glided smoothly on the yoga mat without slipping. We found that its sturdiness made it especially great for use as a desk chair. We actually enjoyed sitting on it when working at a desk because it was firmer than others, which allowed us to maintain good posture.
Potential Flaws
- It doesn’t come with a ring to keep the ball from rolling on the ground, so it might be more challenging to sit on for extended periods of time.
Most Valuable Insight
“My favorite part about this exercise ball is its durability and firmness; it supports you well when you sit on it, and I don’t have to worry that it’s going to burst at any moment. Because the material feels thicker compared to other options, I think it will last for many years to come.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 9 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Anti-Burst: Yes (when used on hard surfaces) | Accessories Included: Exercise poster, inflation tube, plug | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for travelers or those with limited space who still want a solid exercise ball that’s portable and functional.
Why We Love It
When we ordered exercise balls for testing, we ensured that each ball was the same size to maintain fairness in our evaluation. However, Theraband’s Mini Exercise Ball was an exception. While it still falls under the “exercise balls” category, this ball measures just 23 centimeters (9 inches) when fully inflated—a contrast to the 65-centimeter diameter of traditional exercise balls. We weren’t able to put our whole body weight on the ball, but its mini, compact size works perfectly for moves like clamshells, Russian twists, and traditional mat Pilates exercises.
Thanks to the ball’s lighter weight and soft composition, it’s easily portable and travel-friendly (especially because it comes with a poster of exercises you can use it for). It would be very easy to pack and use in a hotel room workout or in a small apartment. Plus, this ball was so easy to inflate, taking under four and a half minutes. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, the ball folds up small and is very light, so it could easily fit into a carry-on or tote bag.
Potential Flaws
- The ball doesn’t come with a carrying case, so you’ll have to bring your own bag to tote it around when traveling or deflate it and fold it up.
- It’s not as versatile as larger exercise balls, so you won’t be able to put your entire body weight on it or sit on it; however, there are several exercises that can be performed with it.
Most Valuable Insight
“During exercises, this exercise ball felt very comfortable to put weight on and was squishy while being supportive and maintaining its shape. The ball rolled smoothly without any issues or wobbling.” —Keighley N., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 26 or 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Anti-Burst: Yes | Accessories Included: Pump, ring base | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for exercisers who want a durable exercise ball that feels stable and solid throughout various movements.
Why We Love It
From the moment we unboxed Trideer’s Exercise Ball, we could tell it was of high quality, thanks to its heavy-duty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exterior. The size of this exercise ball made it very versatile to use across different exercises. We also appreciate that it felt very stable and solid throughout all the movements, yet remained lightweight for easy handling and switching between exercises.
Unlike some exercise balls that appear sticky or slick, we appreciate that this option has a semi-matte texture, which offers a good amount of grip and prevents slipping during workouts. In our tests, we appreciated its texture, which felt comfortable against our skin. Additionally, this exercise ball comes with an inflatable ring to prevent it from rolling away.
Potential Flaws
- This exercise ball doesn’t include a carry case or storage bag, so it may be difficult to travel with if you’re looking for a portable exercise ball.
- Its maximum weight capacity is 330 pounds, so it may not work well for everyone.
Most Valuable Insight
“This exercise ball was very comfortable to sit on when working at the computer and easy to handle during exercises. The sizing provided a good height for my petite frame and offered good cushioning and support for comfortable positioning and movements.” —Amy K., Verywell Fit product tester
How to Choose the Correct Size Exercise Ball
To get the most out of your exercise ball, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right size for you based on your height. First, check to see if there’s a size chart included in the ball’s product description, and use that chart to determine what size ball you should get. If your exercise ball doesn’t come with a size chart, the general size chart listed below is a good reference.
| Ball Size | Height |
| 18 inches | 4 feet, 10 inches and below |
| 21 inches | 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 4 inches |
| 25 inches | 5 feet, 5 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches |
| 29 inches | 6 feet to 6 feet, 7 inches |
| 33 inches | 6 feet, 8 inches and above |
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How to Use an Exercise Ball
Exercise balls are a versatile tool that can elevate your fitness routine in countless ways. The ball’s unstable surface challenges your balance, coordination, and stability, making it an excellent addition to workout routines of all levels.
You can incorporate an exercise ball into various exercises, from targeting your core with ab workouts to enhancing traditional bodyweight exercises like squats and pikes. It’s also perfect for strengthening your core while sitting at your desk, promoting better posture, and reducing strain. Additionally, using an exercise ball can increase your range of motion during stretches, allowing you to achieve greater flexibility.
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What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Exercise Ball
- Weight Capacity: Exercise balls are designed to withstand a certain amount of weight, but it’s essential to check the product description to ensure the ball’s weight capacity is suitable for your needs. Most exercise balls have a high anti-burst capacity (usually 2,000 pounds). This means that even if a puncture does occur, the ball won’t actually burst. Instead, it will slowly deflate.
- Material and Durability: Most exercise balls are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic material that’s both flexible and durable, making the ball comfortable and safe to use even when someone’s full body weight is resting on top of it. PVC is also considered “anti-burst” because, rather than deflating instantly if a puncture occurs, it will slowly lose air, making it safer to use. Throughout our testing, we noticed that the wall of the ball (or the PVC exterior on which you sit) was consistently mentioned in the product descriptions. Some of the balls have a thick or heavy-duty wall, which means they won’t be as flexible, but may be more durable or less prone to accidental punctures.
- Texture: Whether the ball is covered in ridges, dimples, or a rough pattern, a textured surface is beneficial because it provides grip and traction, preventing slipping. And if you’re prone to sweating or you live in a humid environment, this texture can give you more control of the exercises you’re performing. Texture also offers an element of safety, ensuring the ball doesn’t easily slip out from under you while you’re working out, stretching, or sitting at a desk.
- Features and Accessories: Added accessories and features make it easier to set up and use your exercise ball. Many come with a manual pump that you’ll use to inflate them. Some even come with a handy ring that you place under the ball to keep it from rolling around the floor.
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How We Tested the Exercise Balls
To find the best exercise balls, we tested 16 expert-approved options in our Lab, performing exercises such as jackknives and wall squats, with guidance from on-site fitness experts. When testing, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria.
- Quality: We assess whether the ball can fill to capacity without overfilling and whether it has anti-slip qualities that maintain its grip on various floor surfaces to prevent slipping during exercises.
- Versatility: We note how well the exercise balls perform during each exercise we perform. Does the exercise ball accommodate various exercises while providing stability and support throughout each movement?
- Comfort: We assess the comfort level of the exercise ball when sitting or lying on it during various exercises. Does it provide enough support and cushioning for various body positions and movements? Does it feel comfortable against our skin? Does the texture irritate or catch on our skin?
- Portability: We evaluate the ease of inflating and deflating the exercise ball for storage and transportation. Exercise balls that are lightweight and easy to carry and come with a convenient carrying case or storage bag earned extra points for portability.
- Value: We check the price of each exercise ball only after evaluating it in all other key criteria. We prioritize options that we’d consider paying more for based on their quality and that we’d recommend to friends and family.
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Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand what to look for in a high-quality option and provided on-site guidance during our test. While we select products independently, expert guidance influences our decisions.
- Brittni Johnson, CPI, certified Pilates instructor for Club Pilates in Los Angeles
- Miriam Shestack, CPT, certified personal trainer and certified Pilates instructor at Equinox clubs in New York
- Kevin Leon, CPT, certified personal trainer and strength coach in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for exercise balls?
Many exercise balls are made with PVC, a synthetic material that is also anti-burst. When shopping for an exercise ball, ensure it’s anti-burst and has a suitable weight capacity to meet your needs.
What’s the difference between a stability ball and exercise ball?
Stability balls and exercise balls refer to the same piece of workout equipment and are terms that may be used interchangeably.
How do I know if my exercise ball is inflated enough?
Inflate your exercise ball according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But, in general, it should feel firm with a slight give when you press down on it.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
April Benshosan is a Verywell Fit writer and experienced weightlifter (in fact, her favorite hobby is hitting PRs). Her writing centers around her passion for arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. April uses exercise balls in her gym for ab workouts and during Pilates classes, which she incorporates into her fitness routine at least once a week. For this article, April looked over the test results from our Lab to help compile our top picks.
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