Best Ping Pong Balls in 2023 for Your Table Tennis Games

Whether you play table tennis for fun or tournaments, ping pong balls are a necessity for training and playing. To practice regularly you need to have a sufficient amount of ping pong balls so that you can improve daily. Best table tennis balls can help increase skill. Also, the bad quality of balls can decrease your skills as well. Therefore, getting the right ping pong balls are just as crucial as other table tennis tools.

Usually, tournament ping pong balls are ITTF approved so for a competitor these balls provide the best performance. Aside from that, a standard ping pong ball should have a 3-star rating, 40 mm celluloid or 40+ mm non-flammable plastic, and a nice bounce height. This may be standard for competition practice but there are also ping pong balls for leisure time table tennis matches.

As ping pong balls do not last long it’s best to have official ping pong balls along with basic simple ping pong balls. Instead of searching for each category separately, we have provided you with the best table tennis balls. We tested and researched lots of ping pong balls and included the best ones for you. Furthermore, there is a buying guide for understanding what you need to look for in ping pong balls. Let’s get down to the best ping pong balls first!

Comparison of 12 Best Ping Pong Balls in 2023

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Top 12 Best Table Tennis Balls Reviews in 2023

1 Nittaku 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Ball-Best professionals ping pong balls

Nittaku 3-star premium 40+ table tennis balls are ITTF-approved and are used by professionals. As shown in its name the size of ping pong balls is 40+ that are made in Japan. Nittaku is one of the earliest companies to give non-celluloid ping pong balls. In addition to that, the stuff they used instead of celluloid is Plastic Polystyrene.

Moreover, these are official USATT ping pong balls meaning they are used in many US nationals and open tournaments. These are long-lasting and are upgraded versions of previous ping pong balls. Furthermore, the shape is perfectly spherical which makes them stable. Nittaku 3-star premium 40+ table tennis balls come in a package that consists of white 3-star 12 ping pong balls. To make sure you get them in an undamaged state the balls are covered with a thin seam. Also, the balls do not provide much spin but they do give a nice bounce on the table without wobbling.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item weight: 11 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎7.64 x 7.05 x 2.05 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

All in all, Nittaku 3-star Premium 40+ table tennis balls are ideal for professionals. As these are used in tournaments and are of high quality, they do cost more than regular ping pong balls. These do not provide spin so when we tested these on beginners it was hard to do skills. So beginners should opt for more lightweight ones to practice drills like topspin and backspin. Aside from that, these are unmatchable in performance for professionals who have a suitable level of skills.

 

2 Butterfly G40+ Table Tennis Balls-Best speed ping pong balls

Coming with higher speed and upgraded level, we have Butterfly G40+ table tennis balls. You get 12 or 3 ping pong balls that are ITTF-approved. Also, these balls have an equal thickness of 40 mm which makes them completely round. Although made from plastic, the bounce is similar to that of celluloid balls. Many people are still known to love celluloid balls, these balls have a similar feel to them. Also, read the How to Assemble a Table Tennis Racket?

Butterfly is a company in Germany that has been known to be endorsed in tournaments as well. Moreover, these balls are compatible with Amicus Robot and are durable as well. In addition to that, these balls are well-suited for every kind of player. Beginners, professionals, and intermediate players can also use these for practice. We loved the popping sound the balls made and these can spin exceptionally too. Also, these are seamless balls that follow the predicted trajectory accurately at high speed.

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 22 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: 02 x 3.86 x 1.89 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

To sum it up, these balls have high playability and have standard features for tournaments. But we found the surface of the balls quite shiny and not fully matte. Aside from that, they wear out quickly so it’s better to opt for 12 packs rather than 3. Overall, the bounce, speed, quality, spin, and trajectory given by these balls are perfect for all types of players. Also, the spin generated by these balls is high which is enough to do various skills like topspin easily.

3 Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls-Best intermediate-level ping pong balls

Butterfly R40+ table tennis also features a 3-star rating with consistent traditional bounce. You can practice for competitions with them as these are approved by ITTF. Moreover, they come in the size of 40 mm in diameter with the material of poly plastic. You can go for either 3 ping pong balls or 12.

Each ball has a perfect round shape with the right amount of uniform bounce. This is an upgraded and latest version of previous Butterfly’s ping pong balls. Not every 3-star ball has reliable spin but these balls do not disappoint even in spin and speed. In addition to that, They are manufactured in China where they undergo rigorous tests to verify that they are suitable for high-level play. Also, check the Ping Pong Tables Under $500.

Furthermore, if you are an intermediate player these balls will provide you with the spin and speed. That will help in improvement to a professional level. With high quality, these balls offer it all from a well-established trajectory to harmonious bounce.  No need to doubt their quality because these were used in the 2021 official tournament.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 07 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎6.61 x 1.69 x 1.57 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

To conclude, these are quite exceptional ping pong balls that are suitable for both practice and tournaments. Plus being used in 2021 championships makes them look quite attractive. These are some of the best ping pong balls for intermediate players who can afford them. Although these are expensive you still get more durability and consistency so it does back up the price nicely.

4 NITTAKU NEXCEL Table Tennis Ball-Best durable ping pong balls

Featuring an orange color rather than a white color, Nittaku Nexcel table tennis balls are known for their amazing durability. You receive 3 40+ ping pong balls and additional edge tape. The tape is not for ping pong balls but your racket and can come in either red or black color. Most players find orange color more visible than white so if you are one of them, this is for you. In addition to that, the material used in the ball’s rounded shape construction is non-celluloid polyplastic material.

You can use these for leisure table tennis matches or even for professional matches. Furthermore, these go well with both outdoor and indoor settings. Although these balls have average speed and spin as compared to others, the durability of these balls is the best. And each ball has a perfectly round shop and matt finish that makes it easy to hit accurately.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 10 grams
• Color: Orange
• Dimensions: 5 x 2.25 x 1.65 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

All in all, Nittaku Nexcel is great as long-lasting ping pong balls. On playing table tennis outdoors, we did not experience any breakage or damage on these balls. They only come in a package of 3 ping pong balls which is quite less as compared to others. Lastly, these give an amazing performance with an adequate amount of spin, speed, and accuracy.

5 STIGA Twelve 3-Star Table Tennis Balls-Best bounce ping pong balls

Approved by both ITTF and USA Table Tennis (USATT), Stiga’s 3-star table tennis balls give an amazing performance. Being suitable for competitions makes them automatically have 40mm size, perfect round shape, and polyplastic material. In addition to that, these balls’ higher performance allows for better ball control throughout the matches. Furthermore, you can practice longer lobs, steady bounce, and great spin by using Stiga ping pong balls.

In addition to that, one pack has six ping pong balls in them, and packaging is done lightly and simply. STIGA Table Tennis Balls are the result of innovative technology and precision workmanship. Also, the round shape of these balls is equally thick from all sides as this is designed by machines. Overall they provide great performance but they are quite more expensive than similar ping pong balls. Lastly, we love these balls for their perfect bounce.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 50 grams
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎6 x 5.5 x 2 inches
• Material: Poly material

Final words

To sum it up, these balls provide amazing bounce and nice spin when playing table tennis balls. But not the same as old celluloid ping pong balls; just enough to play in tournaments. Also, on playing with these during speed games the balls do not last long when used to hit powerful shots. Aside from that, these are great for practice and family matches; you can also find these in orange-colored as well.

6 MAPOL 50 White 3-Star Table Tennis Balls-Best training ping pong balls

Table tennis players looking for more powerful ping pong balls, MAPOL 50 white is your solution. Firstly, you get an abundance ball quantity of about fifty that are of high quality as well. Secondly, they weigh about 2.7 to 2.85 grams only with a size of 40.1-40.25 mm. Thirdly, the balls come with a 30-day warranty and you can contact the company for any type of issue with the balls.

As you can see from their weight and size, the balls are not ITTF standard and are not approved either. However, you can use them as a beginner or during your training session for improving your skills. Aside from that heavyweight ping pong balls provide more bounce than lightweight ones so this is a plus feature as well.

You can opt for orange or white color as you prefer. MAPOL manufacturers are not known widely but these balls are great for hobbyists players.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 31 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎10 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

To sum it up, MAPOL 50 3-star rating table tennis balls deliver exceptional results and higher durability. Even after a heavy spin, the balls took a solid drive in the air when we checked them. However, these are not fully round or spherical; they are slightly oval. Also, it’s advised to clean them before using them to play or loading them in your robot. These are affordable and have high quantities which make them suitable for all kinds of players’ training time.

7 KEVENZ 60-Pack 3 Star Ping Pong Balls-Best Beginners ping pong balls

As a beginner you are prone to lose ping pong balls quickly, therefore, having a set of large quantity balls is important. KEVENZ 60 pack consists of 60 3-star rating ping pong balls that are durable and easy to play with. Also, these are orange-colored ones that are more affordable than white color ping pong balls.

Furthermore, you do not need to worry about ping pong balls’ breakage as the seams of these are smoothly attached. Also, the shape is spherical which makes the bounce of the ball more consistent. It is measured that each ball’s diameter is 40 mm and weight is 2.75 grams; these are ITTF standards but the balls themselves are not ITTF-approved. So they are more ideal for practicing for tournaments rather than using them in competitions. Lastly, we found them amazingly useful by using them with a ping pong robot.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 26 pounds
• Color: Orange
• Dimensions: 63 x 2.76 x 9.06 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

All in all, beginners who find it hard to initially use ITTF-approved balls can use these during practice. You get more quantity and durability with an ideal round shape and size of 400+mm. Also, these are a tad bit heavier and bulkier than ITTF-approved ping pong balls which makes them even better for beginners. Professionals may find them lacking to play with but it’s well suited for practice plays.

8 DHS D40+ 3-Star Balls-Best competition ping pong balls

One of the most used ping pong balls in table tennis tournaments is DH D40+. For four years from 2017 to 2020, these were known as official balls for world championships. Needless to say, these are ITTF-approved with a size of 40+mm and a weight of 2.77 grams. Furthermore, they produce a predicted trajectory which makes it easy to hit. The material is ABS plastic and the bounce is quite similar to celluloid balls. You Can also check Awesome Benefit of Playing Table Tennis.

In addition to that, these give similar performance to Nittaku premium so players who can not afford Nittaku can opt for this. The hardness of these balls is average as these are not seamless. When it comes to speed and consistency of bounce, these balls give an amazing performance that is ideal for competitions. Lastly, even if they are with seam these are quite long-lasting. Although it has some drawbacks, such as insufficient spin, the speed, and power provided by its lightweight make up for it.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 06 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎4.92 x 3.35 x 1.61 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

To conclude, DHS D40+ is ideal for practicing for all skill-level players. But beginners should try to adjust to heavier balls first as lightweight ones like these are harder to adjust to. Aside from that, we noticed that the color was yellowish-white and there was no sound made by these balls. If you have no problem with having dull sounds then this will not be an issue. Overall, the DHS 3 star D40+ offers excellent features, especially considering its low price.

9 MAPOL 100 Pack White 3-Star Table Tennis Balls-Best hard ping pong balls

MAPOL 100 pack is the best solution for players on a budget who want to improve. Also, with resistance to powerful shots and impressive bounce, these balls last longer than average ping pong balls. Although these are not approved by ITTF, the weight and size of these are 2.8 grams and 40.25 mm respectively. You can practice for official tournaments by using these as they help in improving steadily especially if you are a beginner or intermediate. Also, read the Table Tennis Warm-Up Guide.

In addition to that, there is a 30-day money return policy offered by MAPOL to ensure friendly customer service to its users. Moreover, this has amazing value for its price and quantity does not decrease the quality of these balls. Each ball is shaped perfectly round with durable poly plastic material. And the hardness of these balls is unmatchable as well. Lastly, the slight increase in weight and size helps in adding more bounce and power to the balls.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 64 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: 7 x 10.1 x 4.1 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

To sum it up, these 100 ping pong balls are all tested and weighted to make sure they are close to ITTF standards. Upon using it we found that white-colored particles fall a lot out of the balls, therefore, it’s better to clean all of them before using. Aside from that, the package arrived in a plastic bag instead of a more secured one. But the balls were not damaged so that was not an issue either. Alongside, these are perfect for powerful shots and are durable.

10. Champion Sports Recreational 1 Star Table Tennis Balls-Best rounded ping pong balls

Champion sports 1-star table tennis balls are ideal for practice and entertainment plays. The package comes with 144 ping pong balls at an affordable price. When playing outdoor matches, it is easy to find a replacement of balls if you have an abundance of balls like these.

Plus, the design is 40mm with sturdy poly plastic material which makes it easy to play with for all types of players. These seamless table tennis balls have a vibrant white tint that makes them easy to spot even during incredibly quick games. Furthermore, having no seams helps them have long-lasting endurance and durability for hours of flawless table tennis play. Moreover, even though these have 1-star rated ping pong balls the shape of the balls is perfectly spherical. You Can also check Best Table Tennis Net.

In addition to that, Champion Sports’ white table tennis balls feature a consistent thickness of 40mm, ensuring that every bounce is uniform. Also, you can rely on these balls for enjoyment or practice play because their flight is reliable and up to regulation standards. Lastly, these have nice roundness for 1-star rating ping pong balls.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 1-star
• Item Weight: 5 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎8 x 5 x 4 inches
• Material: Poly

Final words

All in all, this set of 144 ping pong balls is great for practice whether among professional table tennis players, students, or just friends. People who like to play table tennis as a side hobby can use these to upgrade their games. Keep in mind that these only have a 1-star rating, meaning that they are not of high quality. Also, these may bend easily during powerful shots. But during leisure plays when there are no powerful shots, these give an amazing performance and are reliable.

11. Newgy Robo-Balls-Best robot compatible ping pong balls

Newgy Robo-ball comes in a pack of 12 ping pong balls where each has a diameter of 40 mm. These have a 2-star rating given to them by manufacturers; the rating is 2 but the quality of these balls is still amazing. Furthermore, these are durable and do not break easily even when used with robots. You Can also check Best Table Tennis Shoes.

In addition to that, these Robo-Balls are constructed of poly plastic, which is safe and more environmentally sustainable than conventional celluloid ping pong balls. These are originally designed to be used with Newgy robots but you can use these for practice with your partner as well. Their ideal performance is given when you use them with Newgy robots. Moreover, these come in plastic bags so it is better to wash them before using them to play with partners or with robots.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 2-star
• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Color: Orange
• Dimensions: ‎14 x 10 x 7 inches
• Material: Plastic

Final words

Overall, Newgy Robo-Balls are specifically designed to work with all Newgy table tennis robots. Robo-Balls are high-quality balls that can be used for enjoyment practice or multi-ball exercise. Also these last longer than average 2-star rated balls which makes them durable. Also, we noticed that the balls leave dust particles in the robot so make sure you clean them thoroughly.

12. PRO-SPIN Ping Pong Balls-Best ping pong balls for high spin

Pro-spin ping pong balls weigh heavier than regular ping pong balls which helps in practicing skills like topspin and backspin. Although the bounce of these balls is low, the spin and speed factors make up for it. Furthermore, these are 40+mm balls that are approved by ITTF. In addition to that, these are made from seamless poly plastic material that weighs around 2.9 grams. You Can also check Best Table Tennis Rubbers.

Another great feature of this is that it is long-lasting and comes with a 1-year warranty. Moreover, ABS plastic is environmentally friendly and safer. The smooth surface of these balls produces a great popping sound while playing table tennis. Also, these balls are of exceptional 3-star quality that can withstand any serving or smashes and these are also compatible with ping pong robots. Lastly, their accurate trajectory and spin make them of amazing value at an affordable price.

 

 

Specifications:

• Star rating: 3-stars
• Item Weight: 13 pounds
• Color: White
• Dimensions: ‎6.3 x 4.92 x 1.57 inches
• Material: ABS plastic

Final words

To sum it up, Pro-spin ping pong balls are light enough to optimize efficiency while being tough enough to withstand heavy strikes. When it comes to durability, the seamless polystyrene plastic material gives exceptional sturdiness, so no matter how hard you bash and smash them, they’ll keep on working ideally. Overall, these balls provide amazing spin which is why they are not that consistent when it comes to bouncing. Also, we do not recommend these for beginners.

Buying Guide:

You might think all ping pong balls are the same but that is not the case. Ping pong balls have a variety of sizes, weights, materials, and other features that are discussed below. Most table tennis players do not find it important to invest in balls carefully, but you need to do that. Various ping pong ball brands have different longevity, flexibility, colors, and proportions of ping pong balls. So to know what type of ball you play with most ease is important. We have provided you with some features to look into when looking for ping pong balls in general. These factors helped us in our selection and making of the list as well. Furthermore, professionals and official players can jump to the next section on how to know if a ping pong ball is official or not.

General things to consider when getting ping pong ball:

Star rating:

In pong balls you will see a 1, 2, or 3 stars, these are not from customer’s review but are given to balls by manufacturers. Also, some manufacturers use 4 or 5-star ratings but keep in mind that 3 is the maximum star rating; meaning that 3, 4, or 5 are the same. Keep in mind, not to blindly believe star rating as many 3-star balls come in cheap quality. To ensure that you are getting 3-star balls you should look at the ITTF-approved stamp. Also, read the How to Assemble a Table Tennis Racket?

1 and 2-star ratings are also fun to play with as they come with 100 or 200 packs which makes practicing easier. Professionals can go for 3-star ones whereas recreational players can opt for 1-star or 2-star rating ping pong balls.

Color:

Colors of ping pong balls do not contribute to the quality or performance of balls. The only thing that colors show is visibility. There are orange and white colored balls. To practice without straining your eyes, it’s best to get colors that look visible with your background. For instance, using orange-colored balls in white background or white color balls in a dark-colored background. Avoid getting balls that are the same color as your table.

Material:

The material of ping pong balls has changed throughout the years. First, they were like golf balls until they changed to celluloid in 2000 and finally changed to non-flammable plastic material in 2014. Just get the poly material balls as they are the most accepted and standard ones. Polyplastic and non-flammable plastic are the same, some manufacturers use 40+ to show that their ball is poly. Also, check the How to Keep Score in Ping Pong?

Also, the 40+ balls are slightly larger than the 40mm celluloid balls, the main distinction is the type of materials used to manufacture them.

Size and thickness:

The size and thickness of ping pong balls matter as they also affect the bounce of the ball. Most ping pong balls with the best bounce are 40 millimeters or 40.5 millimeters in diameter. However, beginner table tennis players and hobbyists can use 38mm-diameter ping pong balls as well.

Weight:

Usually, you will see ping pong balls of weight 2.67 grams or 2.77 grams as these are the standard. Also, in table tennis lightweight ping pong balls are known to be unstable and they waver a lot. Therefore a heavyweight around about 2.7 g is most preferred to have a nice trajectory. For novices, heavy balls are recommended at a weight of about 2.77 g or 2.75g.

Quality:

Here are two ways to check the quality of ping pong balls:

1. Spin the ball on ping pong and pay attention to its top area. Observe if the ping pong ball wobbles or not. 3-star rating and completely round ping pong balls will not wobble.
2. Try squeezing the ping pong ball, high-quality balls will not deform whereas low-quality ones will deform permanently.

Budget:

Knowing the budget is crucial so that you do not overspend too much on ping pong balls. 3-star and ITTF-approved ping pong balls are the most expensive as they are for professionals. It’s all up to your taste and how you are going to use ping pong balls. For leisure plays, 1-star and 2-star ping pong balls are recommended as they are cheaper and have more quantity. Also, check the Ping Pong Table Dimensions.

How to know if a ping pong ball is suitable for table tennis tournaments?

As table tennis grew, the regulations became more standardized, and the qualities of ping pong balls became more precisely defined. Official ping pong balls for tournaments now follow a set of guidelines that are given below:

• The ball should be completely round, with a 40mm or 39.5 mm diameter
• 7 grams is the standard weight. The weight of 2.67 g or 2.77 g is also acceptable.
• Celluloid or similar plastic material like polyplastic should be used in ball materials. Celluloid balls must be labeled “40” or “40mm,” whereas non-celluloid balls must be classified as “40+.”
• Color should be white or orange only.
• The ball must have a matt finish and must not veer. Sliding the ball down a little incline and measuring whether it rolls straight or strays from the centerline, that’s how veer is determined.
• Having a bounce of height between 240-260 millimeters from a height of 305 millimeters on steel.
• Star rating should be 3-stars with an ITTF-approved stamp.

Final Words:

A variety of ping pong balls are used for different occasions. We covered almost all the best ping pong balls for various types of players. Also, you can increase the longevity of ping pong balls by cleaning them with wet tissues. We also found by personal experience that ping pong balls last longer if they are not kept under sunlight or heat for a long time. Maintaining ping pong balls will help keep their quality intact hence your skills will develop as well!

Overall, we have provided you with the top three picks for different skill level players:

• Nittaku 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Ball-Best professionals ping pong balls: Our top pick is Nittaku 40+ premium balls due to their consistent bounce and amazing competition level quality. Also along with quality, they come at a reasonable price as well.
• Butterfly G40+ Table Tennis Balls-Best speed ping pong balls: In second place we have Butterfly G40+ that are perfect for speed matches. These balls are entirely round with bounce that is similar to that of celluloid balls.
• Butterfly R40+ Table Tennis Balls-Best intermediate-level ping pong balls: Lastly we have another Butterfly ping pong ball that is an upgraded version of previous ping pong balls. Aside from being expensive, it gives all an intermediate-level player would need.

FAQs:

1. Do ping pong balls have a rating of 5 stars?

No, the best quality of ping pong balls is only up to 3 stars.

2. What do the 40+ indicate on ping pong balls?

Because when balls switched from celluloid to non-flammable plastic in 2014, their thickness rose by 1mm, although only by a few millimeters. The latest balls are labeled 40+ to identify them from the old ones.

3. What are the features of table tennis balls used in the Olympics?

Table tennis balls must be 40 millimeters in width, 2.7 g in volume, and orange or white to compete in the Olympics. The ball’s brand must be one that the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has approved.

4. Do the color of ping pong balls matter?

No, the colors only offer better visibility there is no difference in performance unless the rating is different.