Choose your tennis balls wisely. The definitive guide to the best tennis balls on the market.

We tested all the balls on the market so you don't have to. These aren't the obscure limited edition tennis balls, these are the ones you're most likely to actually see at the tennis courts, clinics, in lessons, and Sunday doubles: US Open Extra Duty, Penn Pro Marathon (Pro Penn), Penn Championship Extra Duty, Dunlop Fort All Court, Wilson Extra Duty, Wilson Triniti, and Babolat Gold.

1. Wilson US Open — The Gold Standard of Tennis Balls. This tennis ball is consistent, bright, and approved by pros and recreational players alike. The Wilson US Open Extra Duty is the official ball of big hard-court tournaments and is praised for a predictable bounce and felt that resists getting shaggy too quickly. If you’re playing matches or running drills on asphalt, this is the “I brought the good ones” choice. The ball is also known for its extended durability. Whereas some balls might start to decay after a few games, the Wilson US Open's last well into multi-set matches. Best for: league play, tournaments, people who like predictable behavior on hard courts.
2. Penn Pro Marathon (Penn Pro) - Penn's best tennis ball earns a "B" grade. Penn's premier tennis ball has solid bounce, color, and feel, but the durability is lacking. In our testing we noticed the Pro Penn's began to drop off at the end of the first set. By the second set...ready for retirement in the ball basket. At this premium price we would've hoped for better durability.
3. Penn Championship — The Costco Ball. This ball has a reputation in the tennis community. It's the Costco ball. It's the tennis ball that came in a pack of 20 and probably sold for less than $50. It's cheap, and it plays like it. The ball's performance is actually pretty decent...for the first couple of games. Once this ball gets a little dirty or worn it quickly loses pressure and becomes a brick. Penn Championship (Extra Duty for hard courts) is the ball you buy by the case when you coach a junior program, run a public clinic, or play weekday sets and don’t want to cry over lost fuzz. It won’t feel “luxury,” but it’ll give you consistent bounce for its price point — the value champ. Best for: budget-conscious players, practice sessions, hitting-a-lot days.
4. Dunlop Fort All Court — The spin player's pick. Dunlop’s Fort All Court has that classic tennis-ball personality: steady, slightly denser feel, and durable across surfaces — true to its “All Court” name. Players who like a little heft and hit with spin and often reach for Dunlop. It’s the ball that quietly does the job and gets you invited back to the court. Best for: players who want longevity + consistent feel across court types.
5. Babolat Gold (and Roland Garros family) — The Weather-Resistant Sweetheart. Babolat’s higher-tier balls (the Gold line and the historic Roland Garros-labeled versions) are known for retaining their bounce in variable conditions and offering a lively pop. If you play in colder mornings or want a slightly livelier response off the strings, Babolat is often mentioned as a go-to. It’s a favorite among people who like to feel their shots. Best for: players who want livelier play and good behavior in changing temps.
6. Wilson Extra Duty — The true value tennis ball. The Wilson Extra Duty is Wilson's standard tennis ball and compares favorably to Penn Championship. These tennis balls keep their bounce and playability for long sets. Strongly recommend this ball for players who want quality tennis balls without breaking the bank.
7. Wilson Triniti - Wilson's eco friendly ball is a mixed bag. The reviews for this ball are all over the place. Some say it bounces too much; others that it plays heavy. In our testing the Wilson Triniti balls felt dead fresh out of the can. The bounce was half what we'd expect from a new ball, and the ball certainly felt heavy.