Best Cheap Basketballs to Buy Right Now

With nearly everything seemingly increasing in price, it can be difficult to shell out over $70 for a basketball. Admittedly, though certain high-end basketballs do provide additional grip, comfort, and feel, many lower end models do, and function, the same. So, if you’re in the market for an affordable basketball, then look no further than this article.

Below, we will be discussing the best cheap basketballs to buy right now. These basketballs provide the same level of play and style as higher-end models, simply without the high-end price tag. And these basketballs have all been tried and teste by the team at Ball Are Life, ensuring that they maintain their quality, provide a comfortable grip and bounce, and are easy to shoot with.

Different Types of Basketballs

There are three dominant types of basketballs. These are leather, rubber, and synthetic, often called composite. The professional leagues typically utilize basketballs made of genuine leather and are often the basketballs that are found used at most indoor gyms and basketball leagues.

In addition to being the most widely used, leather basketballs are generally the softest and most comfortable material on a ball. That is also why genuine leather basketballs tend to great grip and are widely chosen for most leagues.

However, synthetic, or composite basketballs are by-far the best basketballs for overall grip. Synthetic basketballs are made of material that look and feel like leather and can be used for both indoor and outdoor play. Due to the synthetic material of the ball, composite basketballs need little “breakage” and can be used practically out of the box.

Lastly, rubber basketballs are generally the most affordable and are a great option for beginners and for outdoor play. Rubber basketballs generally perform well on asphalt and concrete and provide a great bounce on outdoor surfaces. However, rubber basketballs tend to have less grip, as compared to the alternatives.

Are Cheaper Basketballs Good?

An important question to consider before buying a cheaper basketball is whether or not cheaper end basketballs are any good. Admittedly, the main difference between a high-end basketball and a cheaper one is the mere fact that higher-end ones are made of 100% genuine leather.

Leather, being an expensive resource to produce and procure, generally raises the price of an item. And while the feel of 100% genuine leather on a basketball makes for a nicer, more comfortable feel, the difference is generally negligible and not as noticeable, particularly as you play on the court.

That being said, cheaper and lower-priced basketballs are just as good as higher-end ones. Though generally made of a rubber material, the cheaper basketballs tend to have as good a grip, bounce, and weight. And as all basketball sizes are carefully regulated, you’ll find little differences between the different models.

Lastly, cheaper end basketballs are particularly good for playing outside or in the rain. As leather generally performs poorly in wet weather and conditions, utilizing a rubber-material made basketball is perfect for playing outdoors and on more stiff and hard surfaces.

Should I Buy a Cheaper Basketball?

While we cannot tell you whether or not you should purchase an item, there are a few considerations as to why you may want to purchase a cheaper basketball. Below, we will discuss some of the benefits of buying a cheaper basketball to better help you to determine whether or not you should do so.

Just getting started – if you are just getting started playing basketball, it is generally recommended to purchase a cheaper basketball for your needs. As all basketballs will provide the basic functionalities you need, you don’t want to purchase a high-end one, only to find that it is sitting in the back of your garage, collecting dust and unused.

Great option for kids – similarly, if your kid is looking to get started playing basketball, a cheaper, lower-end model may be a perfect choice for them. As kids will not notice the differences between higher-end and lower-end basketball models, purchasing a lower-end model may be a great option.

Financially responsible option – purchasing a lower-end and cheaper basketball is a financially responsible option. Unless you are playing basketball competitively or in a league, cheaper end basketballs provide the same level of use and functionality, and little noticeable difference can be seen between the different models.

Backup basketball – lastly, purchasing a cheap basketball may be a great way to ensure that you always have additional basketballs on hand. If one of your basketballs were to deflate or puncture, you can always pull out your backup and continue play.

How Much Are Cheaper Basketballs?

Cheaper, rubber-based basketballs, tend to range in price between $20-$35. That is considerably cheaper than higher-end, leather-based basketballs, which can range in price from $60-$100. In addition to the reduced price, many of these cheaper basketballs are manufactured and produced by well-known, reputable basketball brands such as Wilson and Spalding.