The best soccer balls can have a greater impact on your playing experience than you realise, with the materials used often overlooked despite them affecting the flight, bounce and longevity of the ball.
Whether you're looking for a premium soccer ball to use on gameday or something a bit more simple for a little practice session with your friends, we've got you covered. In order to maximise both games and training, you'll need more than just hte best soccer balls, though, with the best soccer cleats, best soccer cleats under $100 and, if you're in goal, the best goalkeeper gloves.
But below, you'll find the best soccer balls available from the top manufacturers in the sport.
The quick list
Utilising high-quality materials and with an iconic design the Champions League Pro Soccer Ball has plenty of both substance and style. Ideal for matches at a high level, this is my favorite ball to use for a full 90 minutes.
Featuring a vibrant look and a durable design, the Nike Premier League 2024/25 Academy ball is perfect for training. Though it certainly doesn't compete with the best soccer balls around, it's a cheap option ideal for regular use.
Famously used and loved in the English FA Cup, the Mitre Ultimax Pro looks sublime on the soccer field and is great technologically. Featuring 14 hand-stitched panels to offer durability and consistency in its bounce, I particularly love the uniqueness of this ball.
With an eight-panel design, a 3D textured design and POE foam allowing for a responsive, reliable and consistent touch, this Puma ball is versatile and something I found that is great for both training and competitive play.
If you're a player who isn't fussed with the look of the ball they're playing with, then this is the perfect option. Though it features the Ligue 1 McDonald's branding, it has a 12-panel construction of thermally-bonded panels to create a high-quality option at an affordable price.
Mitre is a brand well-versed in soccer balls, so it's no surprise to see them included twice here. The 24 Delta Evo is the ball I've used the most that has showed absolutely no signs of wear, making it my preferred option for general use on all surfaces.
Best soccer balls
Best overall
Bringing top-tier performance and cutting-edge design to the field, I truly loved playing with the Adidas Champions League Pro soccer ball, with each touch immaculate and consistent. My personal favorite feature is the thermally-bonded, seamlessly constructed surface that enhances aerodynamics - each time you pass or shoot, the ball acts exactly as you'd want it to while feeling brilliantly sharp on the cleat as well.
Designed for professional-level standards, this ball delivers a responsive touch and true bounce, helped out further by the butyl bladder which maintains its perfectly round shape. It's also super durable, thanks to the PU outer layer which resists wear, making it a high-quality, worthwhile investment.
I love getting to play with the Adidas Pro soccer ball, making it easily one of the best soccer accessories you can get your hands on. Though the price is a little steep, it reflects the ball's quality, making it an outstanding choice for serious players wanting a high-performance option with the prestige of the added Champions League branding.
Best budget option
The Nike Premier League 24/25 Academy soccer ball is dependable, though it's unfair to compare it with elite offerings from brands considering its price point. A takedown model of the Premier League's official soccer ball, it is still instantly recognisable with the vibrant design.
In saying that, though, it still does the job as a decent soccer ball option. There's a decent level of texturing on the surface to provide some extra grip, while the machine-stitched panels are able to resist wear from regular uses over an extended period of time. It still utilises a good quality rubber bladder to keep a consistent bounce and shape over time as well.
While it's not as high-tech as match balls, the Academy gives players a realistic feel, mimicking game-day conditions. It isn't match ball quality, but it's a great choice for those wanting a quality training ball or a casual kickabout. Just like with the best Nike soccer cleats, you seriously can't go wrong here.
Best Mitre
A top-of-the-line soccer ball ideal for competitive play, the Mitre Ultimax Pro is also one of the longest-standing match balls used in the world, and makes an appearance every year in the English FA Cup. Featuring a hand-stitched construction that provides durablity and accuracy, it's clear to see where the quality comes from with the Ultimax Pro.
Dribbling, passing and shooting are all made better through the textured outer layer offering exceptional grip and control, while the ball's bladder is made of high-quality latex to ensure excellent air retention and the maintenance of its shape. I personally believe that players seeking a ball that delivers high-performance coupled with durability and reliability should look no further than this soccer ball.
From my own experience, wearing the best lightweight soccer cleats really takes the whole feeling to another level with the Mitre Ultimax Pro.
Best value
Manufactured by Kipta, the Ligue 1 McDonald's 2024/25 Official Match Ball stands out through its combination of high-performance design and vibrant branding. The same construction is also used on the Ligue 2, Europa League and Conference League balls.
This ball features advanced panel construction as well as premium materials on the outer layer, meaning it offers players precise accuracy in flight and added grip which is ideal for professional-level gameplay. Its thermally-bonded surface also improves aerodynamics and reduces water uptake in wet conditions. As you would expect, inside the ball there's a bladder which maintains shape and bounce over extended play.
Offering everything you'd expect from a professional-grade soccer ball except for the price tag, the Kipsta match ball certainly shouldn't be overlooked when considering your next option, even if the brand doesn't quite carry the same gravitas behind it.
Best Puma
I love the best Puma soccer cleats, so it's not a surprise that I rate the brand's elite-level soccer ball, the Puma Orbita 1, highly as well. Used in competitions such as La Liga, the English Football League and the Carabao Cup, this ball is durable and consistent and stands out, too.
Thanks to the ball's eight-panel design, there's a decent amount of aerodynamic focus to help with a consistent ball flight, while the textured PU outer surface is grippy for wet conditions. Inside the ball is a high-quality rubber blaader that manages to hold the ball's shape and bounce well over time.
My favorite aspect of this soccer ball was its reliability. It doesn't have quite as many technological advancements as other balls mentioned on this list, but I found the value and performance compete well at all times when it's being used.
Best for durability
Mitre is a master when constructing soccer balls, and this 24 Delta Evo focuses significantly on durability to ensure it stays at a high-level for a long period of its life. The hyperseam technology uses bonded and stitched seams to provide resilience against wear, while also improving its responsiveness on the pitch. I found that, even when the heavier and bulker best soccer cleats for defenders repeatedly struck against the Mitre ball, it stayed perfectly intact for an extremely long period of time.
The bladder is constructed so that the ball's shape is maintained, too, while the bounce remains consistent and retains air effectively. The 14-panel construction on the outer of the ball is of a high level, too, with texturing improving grip and making ball control that little bit easier.
In my opinion, the Mitre 24 Delta Evo is a perfect option for players not looking to spend top dollar while still gaining the benefits of an elite soccer ball. It manages to withstand various demands and has a decent performance.
Best modern international
A top-tier match ball designed for the intensity of elite-level play, I found the Adidas UEFA Euro 2024 Pro Final soccer ball had a really precise flight and reliable trajectory at all times during games and practise. That's thanks to the seamless, thermally bonded surface which helps to minimise unpredictable movements in mid-air.
This soccer ball also offers a consistent bounce through the high-quality bladder used, that ensures optimal air retention while also maintaining its shape. My favorite feature of the ball was the texturing on its surface, which enhanced grip and control, especially in wet conditions.
Overall, I believe this is one of the very best soccer balls available right now, and, considering it is suitable for professional-level play, there aren't many better options to select from.
