16 best exercise balls for every budget and workout, from just £5.50
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If you've ever set foot in a gym, yoga studio or birthing centre, chances are you'll have spotted an exercise ball on your travels. Originally intended as a gymnastics aid, exercise balls have been on the fitness scene since the sixties, so they're nothing new. But have you ever used one to support your training, and do you know the real benefits of these clever inflatable spheres?
Also known as stability or Swiss balls, it's a little known fact that the humble exercise ball is a powerhouse for home fitness, and can support everything from balance to core strength and even spine health. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about exercise balls including the ideal size, how to make the most of them in your training and the best ones to buy.
The best exercise balls to shop now
In a hurry? Here are the best exercise balls at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
What is an exercise ball?
Typically made from PVC, an exercise ball looks like an oversized football and comes in a range of sizes to suit your height and specific needs.
'An exercise ball is mostly used for physical therapy, athletic training and exercise,' says Tim Kayode, sports and performance therapist and Founder of Myoset.
They can be used to support your bodyweight workouts, improve posture and can even help with labour pains.
What are the benefits of using an exercise ball?
Exercise balls come with a number of benefits. 'They can be used for a plethora of things such as exercises, rehab drills and stretches,' explains Kayode. But the benefits don't just extend to fitness.
Home gym: Don't have space for a gym in your basement? Exercise balls are portable, lightweight and easy to inflate, so you can transform your front room into a gym at a fraction of the cost.
Core strength: Using an exercise ball activates and engages your stabiliser muscles, which can 'challenge stability and core strength,' says Kayode.
Budget: Gym membership can get pricey. Exercise balls are an inexpensive way to mix up your fitness routine at home.
Travel: Globetrotters will be pleased to hear that exercise balls are super easy to inflate and deflate, so they're ideal for holidays or fitness on the move.
Injury recovery: When used correctly under supervision from a physiotherapist or PT, exercise balls can help you recover quicker from injury.
Mix it up: A well-chosen exercise ball can be incorporated into a number of fitness routines including yoga, Pilates, resistance training and gym work.
Pregnancy and labour: Using an exercise ball throughout the trimesters can help to alleviate pregnancy aches and pains and can even ease discomfort during labour.
Which type of exercise ball is best?
Exercise balls vary in size, weight and density, so do your research before you start shopping to ensure you choose the right type. They typically come in a range of sizes including 45cm, 55cm, 65cm and 75cm in diameter.
'Firstly make sure the ball is the correct size,' says Kayode. 'I would recommend relating it to your height.' The following guidelines should help you choose the right size ball:
4"8 – small ball (45cm)
4"8 - 5'3 – medium ball (55cm)
5"4 - 5"10 – large ball (65cm)
5"11 - 6"4 – extra large ball (75cm)
Once you've chosen the correct size, it's worth considering exactly what you'll be using your exercise ball for. Do you want it as a stand-in desk chair, able to hold heavier loads while you strength train, or simply as an all-round training aid? Look for features like anti-slip and anti-burst technology, thick, durable materials and consider whether you want extras included, like resistance bands or weighted bases (great if you want a bit of extra stability).
If you're pregnant, make sure any exercise ball you buy specifies that it’s suitable for pregnancy.
How we test exercise balls
We tested a range of exercise balls, inflating, sitting and doing core exercises on each one. We used them on a range of different floorings and assessed their anti-slip claims as well as how quickly they deflated. Luckily, none of them burst — they certainly wouldn't have made the cut had they done.
The products that made the list here include exercise balls members of the WH team have owned and used for years, as well as some newer releases we've tested in the last six months.
16 best exercise balls to buy in 2025
From peanut-shaped to half balance and classic Swiss balls, we've rounded up our pick of the best exercise balls, available to shop now. Want to know how to use an exercise ball? Scroll down for our expert guide.
Extra Thick Exercise Ball
This extra thick exercise ball from PROIRON ticks all the boxes. It can be used on pretty much any surface thanks to the non-slip ring design, feels high quality and if it does happen to get a puncture (unlikely) it will deflate slowly, so no unceremonious plonking onto the floor.
It's available in a bunch of colours too — but we personally love the sage green pictured.
Extra Thick Exercise Ball
The last thing you want is an exercise ball bursting beneath you mid-crunch. This durable number is as reliable as it is grippy (read: very), with a non-slip coating and anti-burst guarantee.
Made from sturdy PVC, it comes with a pump to blow it up and is available in fours sizes — the small size (38-45cm) is currently 29% off, while all other sizes are also discounted.
Fitness Durable Size 2 Swiss Ball
Another great cost-effective option for home fitness, this 65cm classic exercise ball is made from 100% polyvinyl chloride which is slightly thicker and more durable than some materials. It feels high quality and sturdy — just like your soon-to-be abs.
It comes with non-slip lines to keep you stable and we love both vibrant shades. Shop the 55cm ball here, and the 75cm ball here. You'll also need to buy a pump separately.
Stability Ball
TRX is a big (and trusted) name in the fitness industry, so it's no surprise its exercise ball offering is top-notch and built to withstand a full-on training schedule.
Along with the standard anti-slip and anti-burst design features, this can withstand 1,000lbs (that's over 450kg), meaning you can introduce extra weight while working out (dumbbell chest presses are particularly effective) with no worries.
Bear in mind you will need to buy a pump separately.
Core Balance Anti Burst Gym Ball
This classic exercise ball is available in a range of sizes (and funky colours) to suit your height and taste. Plus it comes with a pump and a tape measure to help you inflate it to the right capacity.
And best of all this one has thick anti-slip lines to keep you stable during your workouts. It doubles up as a makeshift office chair too, so you can work on your core stability throughout the day.
Gymball
This no-nonsense PVC exercise ball from adidas comes with a dual-texture surface, so half of it is extra grippy to keep you stable during certain moves, while the other half is smooth-textured for balancing.
Plus, it's made using anti-burst technology so there will be no nasty surprises if your cat attacks it.
Stability Gym Ball
Constantly tipping over during core work? No longer with this clever exercise ball from Reebok. The base is weighted to stop the ball rolling around (and gives a two-tone look we love), but is still unstable enough to give you a great workout.
This one is 65cm, but it also comes in a 55cm size.
$22.99 at workoutforless.co.uk
Gym Ball
Save 15% on this no-frills exercise ball. Made from flexible PVC it makes for a super comfortable seat while toning the heck out of your core (yes please), and the textured ridges stop it slipping, even on smooth floors.
Balance Trainer with Resistance Bands
If space is tight and you're hoping to get more from your home gym equipment, this half balance ball holds the secret to a full body workout. Not sure how to use it? See our Bosu ball guide here.
It comes with anti-slide floor pads and a textured standing surface for stability and core work, while bonus resistance bands will train your whole body including arms, shoulders, abs, and back.
Fitness Yoga Ball Office Chair
You won't go back to your squeaky spinning chair after a day sat at your desk on this. The 65cm ball itself is PVC but it's wrapped in a comfortable charcoal felt, which helps prevent slipping as well as looking and feeling great.
If you're lucky enough to have an under-desk treadmill you can plonk this straight on top without damaging it, so you don't have to spend time swapping your chair for your walking pad and vice versa. Plus, there's a useful handle so you can move it around the office hassle-free. Say hello to better posture.
Feeling bougie? It's also available wrapped in luxe caramel leather.
Peanut Ball
Peanut balls differ from classic exercise balls because they're easier to slot between your legs, so they're great for physical therapy and certain core stability moves, plus birthing women swear by them for help during labour.
This one is specifically built for labour and birth, so it's super sturdy, anti-burst and actually built for adults (a lot of peanut balls are made for kids and thus too small to use effectively).
B2 Inflatable Yoga Ball with Resistance Bands
WFH workout warriors, this exercise ball was made for you. The stable base effectively turns it into a core-engaging chair, and the attached resistance bands on the sides mean you can easily work on your arms while scanning emails — genius.
But the best part? This is two products in one. Both the resistance bands and base are removable, meaning you can use it as a regular exercise ball whenever you want.
Pilates Ball
If you're keen to try at-home Pilates workouts, a Pilates ball is a versatile and cost-effective bit of kit that can really elevate your practice. Bala is known for making performance-driven fitness equipment you'd be happy to leave lying around the house, and this 8-inch ball is no exception.
Made from thick, sturdy PVC it can take quite a battering, and has a leather-like feel that's both comfortable and grippy. You can over-inflate it for a more unstable base during crunches, or half-fill if you need a squishier platform to work from.
Purple Gym Ball
New to using an exercise ball or looking for a pregnancy aid? This simple but effective 65cm purple option is great for beginners hoping to improve balance and co-ordination, and at £5.50 it's also a total steal.
Also available in 55 cm in silver and 75 cm in blue
9 Inch Core Ball
If you just don't have the floor space for a giant exercise ball or you're hoping to focus on key areas, this 22cm PVC ball might be small but it still packs quite a punch.
Use it between your legs to aid alignment or as part of a Pilates class to boost flexibility and improve balance. Being small it's easy to inflate/deflate (no pump required) and store, plus, it's anti-burst, non-slip and super cheap.
Wellness Ball Active Sitting
There's more than meets the eye with this 55cm exercise ball from home gym specialists Technogym. It's designed to perform as a comfortable chair that manages to also keep you active, engaging abs, supporting your lumbar and stabilising your spine.
It won't roll, is anti-slip and comes with a QR code you can scan to access exercise videos. Consider it an investment in your posture.
How to use an exercise ball
How you use it depends on the type of activity you choose but, if you are new to exercise balls, there are a few points worth considering. 'The more firm the ball the more challenging the exercises will be, so for a beginner it's advisable to slightly deflate the ball,' says Kayode.
Alignment is also important. 'Always make sure when you are sitting on the ball to start out with, that your feet are flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle,' explains Kayode. 'Also, when using your Swiss ball make sure it's being done in an open area to avoid hitting or breaking anything.'
Fitness-wise there's not much you can't incorporate an exercise ball into. They offer a greater range of motion for loads of bodyweight moves, allowing you to get deeper into exercises and engage muscles you didn't know you had! Get started with these tips:
Core strength exercises: Core moves from crunches to planks can all be kicked up a notch with an exercise ball. When sitting on the ball, keep your knees at a right angle and feet flat on the floor. Pop your forearms on the ball during planks, or put it between your ankles as you lie on your back to perform ball lifts.
Feet elevation: Place your feet on your ball to perform moves like push-ups, commando planks or even glute bridges.
Spot guide: If weighted squats are a regular part of your routine, use an exercise ball as a guide to ensure you're not squatting too low, or not low enough! Just place underneath where your bum lands.
Desk chair: Upgrade your workstation with an exercise ball in place of a chair to help improve posture, balance and core strength.
More home gym essentials…
14 best yoga mats for superior grip, support and cushioning, as tested by the WH editors
The best fitness mirrors to elevate your home workouts
13 of the best weighted Hula Hoops to help strengthen your core
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