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Best Beach Balls

Updated January 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Icnice Glow-In-The-Dark LED Beach Balls, 2-Pack
Icnice
Glow-In-The-Dark LED Beach Balls, 2-Pack
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Party Favorite
Bottom Line

These LED beach balls enhance any get-together at any time of day.

Pros

These 16-inch beach balls feature 13 different colors with four lighting modes: Flash, Fade, Strobe, and Smooth. IP67 waterproofing. Package includes remote and extra batteries.

Cons

Only comes with two. Some say these beach balls don't glow as brightly as in the pictures.

Best Bang for the Buck
4E's Novelty Beach Balls, 3-Pack
4E's Novelty
Beach Balls, 3-Pack
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Great Value
Bottom Line

An inexpensive, classically styled set of 3 beach balls.

Pros

Includes 3 inflatable beach balls that measure 20 inches in diameter. Traditional rainbow color scheme. Made with strong PVC for long-term use. Simple nozzle for inflation.

Cons

These beach balls are fairly large and may take some time to inflate.

Top Race Mini Beach Balls, 25-Pack
Top Race
Mini Beach Balls, 25-Pack
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Best for Large Groups
Bottom Line

A huge pack of 25 "mini" beach balls for parties, decorations, and events.

Pros

Extremely low cost per ball. Traditional rainbow design. Made of thick, high-quality plastic. Very quick to inflate. Good for kids and those with smaller hands. Also available in packs of 50 or 100.

Cons

These beach balls only measure 5 inches in diameter.

Ninostar Star Wars Beach Balls, 3-Pack
Ninostar
Star Wars Beach Balls, 3-Pack
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Iconic Design
Bottom Line

A perfect fit for sci-fi fans, this beach ball 3-pack features iconic designs from "Star Wars."

Pros

Inflatable beach balls adorned with "Star Wars" designs. This set includes R2-D2, BB-8, and the Death Star. Each measures approximately 14 inches in diameter. Sturdy and well-made.

Cons

Users often noted a strong plastic smell upon delivery.

Big Mo's Toys Beach Balls, 12-Pack
Big Mo's Toys
Beach Balls, 12-Pack
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Classic Style
Bottom Line

Not too big and not too small, this 12-pack of beach balls might be the perfect pick for your family.

Pros

Includes 12 multicolored beach balls that each measure 12 inches in diameter. Fun for use at the ocean, in the pool, or in the backyard. Small size makes these beach balls quick to inflate.

Cons

Some customers questioned the quality of the air valves.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

36
Models
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112
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for best beach balls

Tossing a beach ball from the sandy shore or poolside is as classic as summertime gets. The multi-colored stripes are timeless and playful, evoking nostalgia for all who toss the ball. But with so many varieties available, how do you know which beach ball will last for many summers to come?

Elements such as materials, inflation style and size affect which beach ball is right for you, as do your style, party plans and budget.

What to look for in a beach ball

A few quality features can ensure your water toys stay inflated, suit your play style  and are durable enough to withstand lots of tossing and punching.

Material

Most beach balls are made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. This lets them stay thin and lightweight while also offering strength and durability. Not all manufacturers use the same level of quality assurance, so check the reviews. Look for reliable beach balls that stay inflated, seal correctly, are thick enough to prevent pops and are weather-resistant.

Design

Beach balls come in a wide variety of designs. From stripes to polka dots and glitter to graphics, you can find many options to complement your decor, preference or party theme. If the design includes premium elements such as loose confetti or LED lights, they may come at a premium price.

Size

Most beach balls list their sizes by deflated measurements. They lose about 30% of their length when they go from flat to round. For example, a 24-inch beach ball measures roughly 17 to 18 inches across when fully inflated.

  • Mini: Mini beach balls typically measure less than 9 inches in diameter. They are the lightest option, easy to hold in one hand. Mini beach balls are useful for games like dodgeball, volleyball and catch.
  • Regular: Most traditional beach balls measure around 20 inches deflated but can range from 12 to 24 inches. They are ideal for tossing in small groups, at pools or the beach.
  • Jumbo: Oversized beach balls are ideal for larger crowds or playing rolling ball games outdoors. Follow safety instructions, as jumbo beach balls are generally designed for laying or sitting on, though they may resemble exercise balls. Since jumbo balls are so large — sometimes larger than a tall adult — it’s best to inflate them with a pump. When deflated, they generally measure 36 inches or longer, up to 12 feet long.

Inflation style

You can inflate beach balls either by blowing air through a mouthpiece or using a hand pump. Smaller balls, naturally, are easier to inflate. Pumps are recommended for larger beach balls, especially jumbo balls.

Best beach balls for summer fun

Icnice Glow-In-The-Dark LED Beach Balls, 2-Pack

Light up your playtime at night with these remote-operated multicolor LED beach balls. The waterproof 16-inch beach balls offer 13 colors and four lighting modes. 

4E’s Novelty Beach Balls, 3-Pack

For a traditional aesthetic, opt for these classic beach ball designs. The 20-inch toys feature recognizable rainbow stripes and a simple inflation nozzle. 

Top Race Mini Beach Balls, 25-Pack

Make sure everyone at the party gets a beach ball with this 25-pack of mini beach balls. These classic designs make great decorations, toys and party favors. 

Ninostar Star Wars Beach Balls, 3-Pack

Pop culture and sci-fi fans can enjoy themed beach balls too with these detailed “Star Wars” designs. The set of 14-inch balls includes R2-D2, BB-8 and the Death Star. 

Big Mo’s Toys Beach Balls, 12-Pack

For a multi-pack of medium-sized beach balls, this 12-pack is a great value. It includes a dozen 12-inch beach balls with a classic rainbow design. 

Intex Jumbo Inflatable Pool Ball, 42 Inches

A jumbo beach ball offers the chance to mix up water play with a larger-than-life toy. This polka-dotted ball measures 42 inches and features multi-colored dots all around. 

Emoji Party Pack Inflatable Beach Balls, 12-Pack

Introduce even more fun at the beach or at the pool with this 12-pack of emoji-themed beach balls. Measuring 16 inches each, they feature classic emoji faces on bright yellow balls. 

Pangda Inflatable Globe Beach Ball, 2-Pack

Have fun while learning world geography with this two-pack of inflatable globes. The 16-inch globes feature every continent, ocean, country and capital, with major cities clearly labeled.