How Can You Tell If a Pickleball Is Indoor or Outdoor?

Not all pickleballs are the same. If you've ever wondered why some balls feel heavier, bounce differently, or have more holes than others — you're noticing the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs.

Using the wrong ball for your court can affect your game. In this guide, we'll explain how to tell indoor and outdoor pickleballs apart, and help you choose the right one for where you play.

The Quick Answer: Count the Holes

The easiest way to tell the difference is to count the holes. Outdoor pickleballs typically have 40 smaller holes. Indoor pickleballs have 26 larger holes.

This isn't just a design choice — the number and size of holes directly affect how the ball performs in different conditions.

Indoor Pickleballs: Softer and Lighter

Indoor pickleballs are designed for smooth gym floors and controlled environments. They have 26 larger holes, which makes them lighter and softer than outdoor balls.

Because they're lighter, indoor balls are easier to control and produce less noise — important when playing in enclosed spaces. The softer construction also means a slightly lower bounce, which suits the faster pace of indoor play on smooth surfaces.

Indoor balls work best on wooden gym floors, concrete indoor courts, and other smooth surfaces where wind isn't a factor.

Outdoor Pickleballs: Heavier and More Durable

Outdoor pickleballs are built to handle wind, sun, and rougher court surfaces. They have 40 smaller, precision-drilled holes and are made from harder, heavier plastic.

The extra weight helps outdoor balls resist wind interference, keeping their flight path more consistent. The harder material also stands up better to abrasive outdoor court surfaces like asphalt and textured concrete.

The Raybloom 40-Hole Outdoor Pickleballs are a great example — precision-drilled 40-hole design for consistent flight and durability on outdoor courts.

Key Differences at a Glance

Holes: Indoor = 26 larger holes | Outdoor = 40 smaller holes
Weight: Indoor = lighter | Outdoor = heavier
Hardness: Indoor = softer | Outdoor = harder
Bounce: Indoor = lower, quicker | Outdoor = higher, more consistent
Noise: Indoor = quieter | Outdoor = louder
Durability: Indoor = less durable outdoors | Outdoor = built for rough surfaces

What About Competition Pickleballs?

Competition pickleballs are a type of outdoor ball designed for tournament-style play. They're typically 40-hole, rotationally molded for precise balance, and engineered for consistent bounce and true flight.

The Raybloom Competition Pickleballs are built for players who want reliable performance in competitive games and serious practice sessions.

Can You Use Indoor Balls Outdoors (or Vice Versa)?

Technically yes, but it's not ideal. Indoor balls used outdoors will wear out quickly on rough surfaces and may crack in colder temperatures. Their lighter weight also makes them more susceptible to wind.

Outdoor balls used indoors will feel harder and bouncier than expected, and they'll be louder — which can be disruptive in a gym setting.

For the best experience, match your ball to your court.

What About Foam Pickleballs?

Foam pickleballs are a third category worth knowing about. Made from soft foam instead of hard plastic, they're the quietest option available. They're perfect for indoor practice, backyard play, and noise-sensitive areas.

The Raybloom Quiet Foam Pickleballs reduce noise significantly while still providing a realistic playing experience — great for practicing at home without disturbing neighbors.

Choosing the Right Ball for Your Game

Here's a simple guide:
• Playing outdoors on asphalt or concrete? Choose 40-hole outdoor pickleballs.
• Playing indoors on a gym floor? Choose 26-hole indoor pickleballs.
• Playing competitively? Choose competition-grade outdoor balls.
• Practicing quietly at home? Choose foam pickleballs.

When in doubt, check where you'll play most often and stock up accordingly. Most recreational players keep both types on hand.

Stock Up on the Right Balls

Now that you know how to tell indoor and outdoor pickleballs apart, make sure you have the right balls for your court. Shop Raybloom's pickleball collection for outdoor, competition, and foam balls — all in convenient 6-packs.

Every order includes free U.S. shipping and is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee. Get the right balls for your game today!