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 you use it in place of your desk chair. 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 tested 16 expert-approved options in The Verywell Testing Lab alongside certified personal trainers. We used them for a combination of moves, including jackknifes, wall squats, decline pushups, and more, to test their quality, versatility, comfort, portability, and overall value.
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Texture offers good grip and comfort
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Includes a base for added stability
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Comes with extra accessories
Key Specs
Size: 22, 26, and 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | Accessories Included: Pump, two plugs, and plug puller | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for anyone looking for a 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 also found that it works well for floor exercises, like leg curls, but is also big 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 included base that keeps it in place. Plus, you get added accessories—like two plugs and a plug roller—which make deflating easy.
Potential Flaws
- This ball feels bigger than the others we tested, which makes it harder to do exercises where you hold it in your hands, like 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 like the leg curl, but also not so grippy that it didn’t glide smoothly against the yoga mat during exercises like the leg curl.” —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Verywell Fit Associate Editorial Director and product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 18, 22, 26, and 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 2000 pounds | Accessories Included: Hand pump, inflation measuring tape, two ball plugs, ball plug removal tool, and 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 the classic design and helpful workout guide, SmarterLife’s Workout Exercise Ball is our best option for beginners. The package includes an inflation measuring tape to guide you in filling the ball to the expected capacity size of 65cm (26 inches) so that you don’t over- or underinflate it. In our tests, we found that the exercise ball took about eight minutes to inflate to the expected capacity, and when fully inflated, it is very lightweight and easy to move around when changing up different exercises.
We also love that this SmarterLife exercise ball comes with a downloadable exercise guide to help you get started incorporating it into your fitness routine. When tested against different exercises, it was 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 taking the ball out of the box for inflation, and the smell was still noticeable 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″ desk height, this 65cm ball is perfectly comfortable in providing cushioning and support when working on my computer. This exercise ball rolled smoothly without any issues. The material was made durable enough that I felt perfectly safe and comfortable that this ball won’t deflate when exercising, and the non-stick texture won’t cause any discomfort on the skin or unnecessary chafing.” —Amy Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 18, 22, 26, 30, and 33 inches | Weight Capacity: 2,000 pounds | 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 the Black Mountain Products Professional Grade Stability Ball to be a little firmer and sturdier than 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 worked on our posture, which is the goal when you’re replacing your desk chair with an exercise ball.
We also liked that this ball felt grippy to the floor and stable without feeling sticky on our hands. The ball is anti-slip, which made it easy to perform various exercises with, and we felt stable throughout exercises (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. Plus, it comes in a wide range of sizes, from 18 to 33 inches, to accommodate different bodies.
Potential Flaws
- This ball took the longest to inflate at just over 16 minutes, so if you’re keeping it in a small apartment, it might not be convenient to deflate after each use.
- It also does not come with any storage, case, or stand, so it might be difficult to tow around.
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 while still being easy to control — I also felt that it tracked along the floor where I was directing it and without any slippage or additional wobbling.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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Inconsistent sizing
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Faulty air pump
Key Specs
Size: 22, 26, and 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Accessories Included: Pump, digital workouts | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for taller people who prefer a larger ball that provides solid support and cushioning.
Why We Love It
Gaiam’s Total Body Balance Ball Kit provides ample support and makes for a great desk chair replacement and home-workout staple. We purchased the 65cm (26 inches) ball, which is listed as best for heights 5’6″ to 5’1″. It felt larger than expected, but this ball was still lightweight enough to accommodate a wide range of exercises and provided enough stability and support, even through 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 loved that the ball comes with full-length digital workouts you can easily tap to build your own at-home workouts. Also good to know—this ball was fairly easy to inflate to use for exercise. The whole inflation process took roughly nine minutes.
Potential Flaws
- The inconsistent sizing posed challenges during certain exercises and made the ball uncomfortable for desk work.
- The included manual air pump leaked air while we were trying to inflate the ball.
Most Valuable Insight
“Despite it being too high for my desk height when working on my computer, it was still quite comfortable to sit on. This ball provided adequate support and cushioning for most body positions and movements during exercises. The exercise ball rolled smoothly without any issues and felt stable and solid during many exercises.” —Amy Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 22 and 26 inches | Weight Capacity: 285 pounds | 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 comes at an affordable price point, making it a practical choice for regular use. In our tests, we found this ball to be both comfortable and cushioned. It glided easily between movements while feeling supportive and safe under us throughout different exercises. And the ball maintained a good grip on the floor without feeling sticky against our hand or like it will leave any residue behind.
We also appreciated how surprisingly easy this ball was to inflate—the whole process took under four and a half 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 the first use, and have to wait to fully inflate it until at least 24 hours after.
- 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. I felt like it was a little less stable in the hamstring curl compared to other balls I tested, it wobbled side to side a little more as I brought my legs in. That being said, I still felt safe throughout all exercises and tasks and it was also the last one I tested so that also could have been a result of fatigue on my own behalf.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 22, 26, and 30 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds | 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. You can even pair it with a standing desk to avoid hours of sedentarism while working.
Upon unboxing, we noted how durable, thick, and high-quality this exercise ball felt. While testing, we were able to maintain a good grip on the ball when doing exercises like leg curls, and the ball glided easily on the yoga mat without slipping. We found that its sturdiness made it especially great for using as a desk chair. We actually enjoyed sitting on it when working at a desk because it was firmer compared to others, which allowed us to maintain a 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 Associate Editorial Director and product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 9 inches | Weight Capacity: Not listed | 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 all of the exercise balls for testing, we made sure to get the same size for each ball to be as fair as possible in our evaluation, but Theraband’s Mini Exercise Ball was the 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 it worked perfectly for moves like clamshells, Russian twists, and traditional mat Pilates moves.
Thanks to the ball’s lighter weight and soft disposition, it was 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 by mouth. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, the ball does fold up small and is very light so it could fit into a carry-on or tote bag very easily.
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 bigger balls, so you won’t be able to put your entire body weight on it or sit on it, but there are a number of exercises that can be done with it.
Most Valuable Insight
“Because this ball was so small, we did not complete any exercises where I sat on the ball. However, during the exercises, it 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. We modified the desk sit exercise to be me sitting on the floor with the ball placed both between my lumbar and the wall and then again between my shoulders and the wall. It was very comfortable to sit in both positions.” —Keighley Nemickas, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 26 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Accessories Included: Pump, ring base | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for petite exercisers who want a 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 a high-quality ball, thanks to the heavy-duty PVC exterior. The size of this exercise ball made it very versatile to use across different exercises. We also love that it felt very stable and solid throughout all the movements, but remained lightweight for easy handling and switching exercises with.
Unlike some balls that appear sticky or slick, we like that the Trideer ball has a semi-matte texture that offers a decent amount of grip and prevents slipping during workouts. In our tests, we appreciated that the ball’s texture felt comfortable against our skin. What’s more, this exercise ball comes with an inflatable ring to prevent the ball from rolling around.
Potential Flaws
- The Trideer 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 this product wouldn’t be suitable for bigger bodies.
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 Kwan, Verywell Fit product tester
Choosing the Right 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.
| 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 |
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
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. Plus, using an exercise ball can expand your range of motion during stretches, helping you achieve greater flexibility.
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
What to Look For When Shopping for an Exercise Ball
- Weight Capacity: Exercise balls are designed to withstand a decent amount of weight, but you should still check the product description to ensure the ball’s “weight capacity” can comfortably accommodate your weight. Most 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 if it has a pressure of under 2,000 pounds. Instead, it will slowly deflate.
- Material and Durability: Most exercise balls are made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a synthetic composition that’s both flexible and durable, which makes the ball comfortable and safe to use even if someone’s full body weight is resting on top of the ball.2 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 you sit on) was regularly noted in the product descriptions. Some of the balls have a “thick” or “heavy-duty” wall, which means the ball won’t be as flexible, but it 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 to prevent 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 balls come with a manual pump that you’ll use to inflate the exercise ball. Some even come with a handy ring that you place under the ball to keep it from rolling around the floor.
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
How We Tested the Best Exercise Balls
To find the best exercise balls, we tested 16 expert-approved options in our testing Lab with guidance from on-site experts. When testing, we evaluate each one based on the following key criteria:
- Quality: We assessed whether the ball was able to fill to capacity without overfilling and whether the ball had anti-slip qualities and maintained its grip on various floor surfaces to prevent slipping during exercises.
- Versatility: We took note of how well the exercise balls perform during each of the exercises. We also considered if the ball accommodates various exercises while providing stability and support throughout each movement.
- Comfort: We evaluated how comfortable the exercise ball is to sit or lie on during exercises and whether it provides enough support and cushioning for various body positions and movements.
- Portability: We assessed how easy it is to inflate and deflate the exercise ball for storage and transport. 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: Our testers only found out the price of the ball after testing it. After learning the price, they evaluated whether they’d pay the list price according to its value.
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
Our Experts
In our search for the best exercise balls on the market, we consulted three fitness experts who shared their insights on essential features and effective usage techniques.
- 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
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
Why Trust Verywell Fit
April Benshosan is a health journalist, editor, 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 occasionally uses the exercise balls in her gym for ab workouts and during Pilates classes, which she tries to incorporate into her fitness routine at least once a week.
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