Buying guide for best volleyball sets
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
When played at a high level, volleyball is a beautiful sport. The athleticism, quickness, and power of elite players are impressive. However, one of the best things about volleyball is that it’s a great game no matter the skill level of the players. A game of volleyball in the backyard or at the beach is a lot of fun whether you’re hosting a barbecue, throwing a birthday party, or just enjoying a summer afternoon.
One of the best ways to introduce your family to the game is by purchasing a volleyball set. Beginner-level sets don’t cost much, and they have everything required to start playing right out of the box.
We’ve looked at the available volleyball sets and written this guide to help you find the right set for you. If you’re ready to buy, take a look at some of the volleyball sets that we think stand out from the rest.
Editors' picks
Best of the Best
Net Dimensions: 32’ L x 3’ H | Pole Material: Powder-coated steel | Carrying Case Included: Yes | Boundary Lines Included: Yes
The durable Triumph Sports Volleyball Set offers everything you need for a competition-quality game outside. It has a portable design that allows you to play in your yard, at the park, at the beach or on your next vacation. The performance net is the standard length for competitive volleyball and has tape on all four sides. Plus, it’s supported by 1.25-inch three-piece steel poles that are sturdy and rust-resistant.
The net is easy to assemble, so it takes just minutes to snap the poles together, slide the net over the poles and stand the poles upright. However, the net can still stand up to intense action, making it ideal for both casual, friendly games and more competitive training. The included carrying case makes it especially travel-friendly because it keeps all the components together. The case also has a padded shoulder strap, so it’s comfortable to carry.
In addition to the net and carrying case, the set includes a volleyball, boundary lines with anchors and guylines with eyebolt anchors. The ball is the official size and weight for competition volleyball and comes with a pump and needle for easy inflation.
Best Bang for the Buck
Net Dimensions: 32’ L x 3’ W | Pole Material: Steel | Carrying Case Included: Yes | Boundary Lines Included: Yes
If you’re looking for a set that follows the standards of an official competitive volleyball game without breaking the bank, look no further than the Forever Champ Volleyball Set. Its net has the standard dimensions of 32 feet by 3 feet and is made of a durable material that resists sagging and tearing. It doesn’t lose its shape even when the ball is spiked into it, either.
The net also has a portable design that’s easy to set up, taking less than 10 minutes to assemble. The steel poles are adjustable, too, so you can adjust the height based on who’s playing. Best of all, the poles’ push-button locking system makes adjusting the height quick and easy, which means you can do it between games.
The set’s ball is covered with soft-touch polyurethane. The material absorbs impact on your arms and hands during play, so you aren’t as sore after games. A pump and needle are included to inflate the ball, as well as boundary markers to set up your court. The entire set fits in a carrying case, making it highly portable and easy to store.
Most Adjustable Net
Net Dimensions: 12’ L x 7.4-8’ H | Pole Material: Fiberglass | Carrying Case Included: Yes | Boundary Lines Included: No
The Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Net is one of the most durable on our list. Instead of the usual metal, it has fiberglass poles designed to last more than 200,000 uses. That’s because the poles absorb impact more effectively than metal and won’t crack or bend. They’re also adjustable, allowing the net to stand 7.4 or 8 feet and making it suitable for men’s standard volleyball, women’s standard volleyball and casual players of all ages and skill levels.
The net’s base has an arched design for better weight distribution and support. You can set it up on grass, sand, concrete, a gym floor or other surfaces. This versatility lets you practice anywhere. The net itself has a 3-ply, tear-resistant design, so it can hold up to high impact without sagging or ripping. It’s also UV- and water-resistant, allowing you to bring it to the beach without worrying about it suffering damage.
But despite its high-quality materials, this set is still highly portable. The net doesn’t require any tools to assemble and takes just four minutes to set up. It also comes with a carrying bag for taking the set on the go or more organized storage.
Best Pool Net
Net Dimensions: 15' to 25’ (adjustable) L x 2.5’ W | Pole Material: Plastic | Carrying Case Included: No | Boundary Lines Included: No
Volleyball doesn’t always have to be played on solid ground, and the GoSports Splash Net Pro Pool Volleyball Net lets you take the game into your pool. It includes an adjustable net with side posts, two balls and a pump for inflating them. The net is compatible with in-ground pools, including both rounded and rectangular pools, and can extend to 25 feet wide to fit pools of various sizes just by adjusting the net straps.
The base of each net post holds water, so the net remains stable through even the most intense games. The posts and net are fully water-resistant, too, allowing them to withstand all the splashing during games. Thanks to the step-by-step illustrated instructions, setting up the net is also very straightforward. It takes less than 10 minutes and doesn’t require any tools.
The set includes two high-quality, durable balls that allow you to play without any interruptions. They don’t lose air easily, either, so you can play for weeks without needing to inflate. They’re also lighter than standard volleyballs, making them easier to control in the water. The lightly textured surface provides a better grip, too.
Best Travel-Friendly Set
Net Dimensions: 30’ L x 3’ H | Pole Material: Powder-coated steel | Carrying Case Included: Yes | Boundary Lines Included: Yes
If you’re looking for a volleyball set perfect for travel, the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo is a versatile option definitely worth considering. While it contains everything you need for a game of volleyball, it also contains the necessary equipment for badminton, so you can play both sports while road-tripping, camping or just spending a day at the beach. The set contains premium powder-coated steel poles that give the net plenty of stability. Assembly is easy, too, taking less than 10 minutes to complete.
The net is made of high-quality PE mesh that isn’t prone to sagging and resists tearing even with impact during intense competition. The straps connecting the net to the poles are also highly sturdy, so the net doesn’t slip or shift, either. It’s regulation size, which is ideal if you’re practicing for competition volleyball. However, if you plan to keep it in your yard, you’ll need a lot of space to set it up.
In addition to the net and poles, the set includes a volleyball, an inflation pump, badminton racquets and birdies, so you can start playing volleyball or badminton right away. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case that makes it easy to throw in the car for travel.
How we analyzed
At BestReviews, we’ve researched and analyzed dozens of volleyball sets. To identify the best volleyball set, we consulted verified customer reviews from multiple online retailers to determine which sets earned high marks from customers for their quality and performance.
In particular, we evaluated which materials consumers preferred for the poles and netting in the sets, as well as what accessories, such as boundary markers and carrying cases, were most appreciated. Ultimately, we considered over a dozen volleyball sets and selected our top models based on durability, ease of assembly and the accessories included.
Key considerations
When considering different volleyball sets, it’s helpful to think about your experience with the game and how you plan to use the set. If you’re a dedicated player, you might prefer to install a permanent set in your yard. If you want to play occasionally at the park or the beach, a portable set might be more your style. The primary differences between these two types of volleyball sets are durability and price.
Permanent
A permanent volleyball set can be set up indoors or outdoors. It has a regulation-size net and poles that are extremely stable and durable. The stability of the net and poles is particularly important during highly competitive play, but even in casual games, the net needs to remain intact if struck by a player or ball. The poles and nets in permanent sets are designed to withstand rough play. The poles should have some kind of padding because they won’t give way if players crash into them.
The poles in some permanent volleyball sets can be removed and stored, such as in sets used in a school gym. This allows the floor to be used for other activities like basketball. If the volleyball set is for your yard, you might want to permanently install the poles. If you’re a serious player, you might find a permanent set to be more appropriate.
Portable
A portable volleyball set, like the Triumph Sports Volleyball Set, the Forever Champ Volleyball Set, the Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo, can be set up and taken down quickly and easily and used on grass or sand. You’ll rarely find a portable volleyball set that’s used for indoor play. Most portable sets have telescoping or sectioned poles. They aren’t as durable as poles used for permanent installation, and they could collapse if hit with enough force. Portable sets are less expensive than permanent sets. As a general rule, most recreational players looking for a volleyball set for occasional use outdoors will be happy with a portable volleyball set that can go to the park or the beach.
Volleyball set features
A typical portable volleyball set for home use has several components. With these items, you should be able to begin playing immediately without any additional equipment.
Poles
In many at-home volleyball sets, the poles collapse down to a smaller size to be more portable, and some are telescoping. Other poles consist of multiple sections that you have to assemble, like those in the Triumph Sports Volleyball Set and the Forever Champ Volleyball Set. The poles in an at-home set have a smaller diameter and are lighter than poles in a permanent set. Most high-level permanent volleyball sets designed for competitive play only include the regulation poles and regulation net and no other gear. These items will consist of high-quality materials and construction, ensuring an excellent level of game play.
Stakes
The poles in a volleyball set intended for outdoor use are secured to the ground using ropes and stakes, similar to those used to secure a tent. You’ll need to supply your own hammer or mallet to drive the stakes into the ground. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set contains plated steel stakes sturdy enough to create appropriate tension in nearly any type of turf, making it highly versatile.
Net
The net attaches securely to the poles, and the poles are positioned so the net is taut, not sagging. Some nets in at-home volleyball sets are shorter than regulation length, like the Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set’s 12-foot net. This is a nice feature for two-on-two or three-on-three games or for games with young children.
Boundary markers
Some volleyball sets come with ropes or straps that attach to the ground to outline the court’s boundaries. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set, the Forever Champ Volleyball Set and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo all include boundary markers for the court and anchors to hold them in place.
Ball
Outdoor portable volleyball sets usually include a ball, but don’t expect a high-quality ball in an inexpensive set. The ball could have a rubbery texture or a harder exterior than an official volleyball. For more enjoyable gameplay, you might want to substitute an official indoor or outdoor volleyball for the one that comes with your set. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set, the Forever Champ Volleyball Set, the Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set, the GoSports Splash Net PRO Pool Volleyball Net and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo all include one or more volleyballs.
Pump
Many sets that include a ball often include an air pump, too. A properly inflated volleyball creates a more enjoyable playing experience and improves the lifespan of the ball. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set, the Forever Champ Volleyball Set, the Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set, the GoSports Splash Net PRO Pool Volleyball Net and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo all come with a pump to inflate their included balls.
Carrying bag
All the equipment in the volleyball set fits inside an accompanying bag, making it easy to take your set anywhere. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set, the Forever Champ Volleyball Set, the Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo all have carrying bags that make the sets travel-friendly and easy to store.
Caution
Beware of cheaply made poles. A ball crashing into the net from a hard serve could take down the net.
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Volleyball: While the set you choose may come with a ball, you might still want to purchase a ball to make sure it meets the official standard.
Water bottle: Any time you're participating in a sport or physical activity, staying hydrated is important.
Volleyball shoes: If you're playing competitively, you'll want the right pair of shoes to help you play your best.
Volleyball set prices
Inexpensive
The least expensive volleyball sets cost $25 to $75. These are portable sets that won’t stand up to rough play. The Triumph Sports Volleyball Set and the Forever Champ Volleyball Set are in this price range.
Mid-range
These portable volleyball sets cost $75 to $250 and consist of higher-quality materials. These work nicely for semi-competitive outdoor games. The Zealfeel Adjustable Volleyball Set, the GoSports Splash Net PRO Pool Volleyball Net and the Amazon Basics Volleyball Badminton Combo fall in this price range.
Expensive
You’ll pay anywhere from $250 to a few thousand dollars for poles and a net designed for permanent installation. If you play competitively, you’ll need the stability and quality afforded by this level of equipment.
Tips
-
Look for steel cable in the net. A high-quality net made for competitive play has steel cable inside the edges. This allows you to easily tighten the net and helps the net hold its shape. Cheaper sets have rope inside the edges of the net.
-
Watch out for wind. The poles and nets in some inexpensive volleyball sets can’t stand up to high winds.
-
Set the net at the proper height. Check that you can adjust the height of the net in the volleyball set. Regulation net height for men is 7.97 feet; for women, it’s 7.35 feet. For children ten and under, the net height is 7 feet for boys and 6.5 feet for girls.
- Store the equipment indoors. Portable volleyball sets aren’t made to be left up all year. Exposure to the elements will greatly shorten its usable lifespan. Take down and store the equipment in a garage or shed when you’re not using it.
FAQ
Q. Will a portable volleyball set work for indoor play?
A. Inexpensive portable sets like the ones we highlight are made more for recreational outdoor play. For more serious indoor play, you’ll want a regulation net. Players can adjust the height and tension of this style of net. And it connects to extremely sturdy poles that fit into sockets embedded in the floor.
Q. How do I secure the poles in a portable volleyball set?
A. Most portable sets use stakes and ropes to secure the poles to the ground. With other sets, you drive the ends of the poles into the ground. Another option is to create anchors for the poles. Some people fill two large buckets with cement or sand, sink a PVC pipe in the center of each bucket, and then slide the volleyball poles into the PVC pipes to secure them.
Q. Can I create a permanent volleyball set in my backyard?
A. If you desire a more permanent volleyball setup, you have that option. Just sink regulation volleyball poles in cement in your grass or sand backyard court. Then purchase a regulation net that you can hang for games or practice and take down for storage.
Q. How long does it take to set up a volleyball set?
A. If you have the poles in place, hanging the net between them only takes a couple of minutes. Just be sure to roll the net up before storing it to avoid tangles that you’ll have to spend time undoing the next time you want to play. If you need to set up the poles, too, it takes five to 10 minutes.
