Updated October 29, 2026 · 10 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best for serious playersWilson AVP OPTX game ball4.7★ · official AVP ballCheck price on Amazon →
Best FIVB ballMikasa Beach Pro BV550Cofficial FIVB game ballCheck price on Amazon →Volleyball · 2026
The best beach volleyballs
A beach volleyball is slightly larger and softer than an indoor ball, and it is played at lower pressure so it floats in the wind and feels gentle on bare arms. The right ball depends on whether you play casual games at the beach, practise seriously or want the ball the pros use.
We compared the best-selling beach volleyballs on Amazon on feel, durability, official use and what thousands of players say. Below is one clear ball for each level, plus a portable net and how to set up a court.
Quick answer: the best beach volleyballs
- Best for serious playersWilson AVP OPTX game ball · 4.7★ · official AVP ball
- Best FIVB ballMikasa Beach Pro BV550C · official FIVB game ball
- Best valueMikasa VX20 Beach Classic · official size, low price
- Best soft ball for beginnersWilson AVP Soft Play · sponge-backed cover
- Best giftWilson Cast Away replica · 10,000+ ratings
If you want one answer: for casual beach games, buy the Wilson AVP Soft Play, which is soft on the arms, official size and costs around $16. For serious practice and tournaments, the Wilson AVP OPTX is the official ball of the AVP pro tour and has 4.7 stars from more than 2,800 players.
Pick by player
Wilson AVP Soft Play
Soft, sponge-backed cover that does not sting, at a beach-bag price.
Wilson AVP OPTX
The ball used on the AVP pro tour, with a bright yellow and black design that is easy to see.
Mikasa VX20
An official size and weight Mikasa beach ball for a fraction of the pro ball price.
Wilson Cast Away
The famous “Mr. Wilson” replica from the movie. Official size and fun to give.
The best beach volleyballs, reviewed
Wilson AVP OPTX Game Volleyball
You need this if: you play competitive beach volleyball or want the pro feel.
- UseOfficial AVP game ball
- DesignHigh-visibility OPTX colors
- Built forBeach play
- Ratings4.7★, 2,800+
Why we recommend it: It uses the same construction as the original AVP game ball with a bright new design. Players praise the quality, texture and outdoor suitability. If you play in AVP-style events or want to train with a tournament ball, this is it.
Keep in mind: It costs around $100. Value and durability are mixed in reviews, so it is best kept for serious play.
Mikasa Beach Pro BV550C
You need this if: you want the ball used in international FIVB events.
- UseOfficial FIVB game ball
- FeelSoft touch
- MaterialsIncludes recycled materials
- Ratings4.5★, 840+
Why we recommend it: Mikasa makes the official ball for FIVB international beach volleyball. It is designed for players of all levels who want premium quality and a soft feel.
Keep in mind: It is expensive and has fewer reviews than the Wilson. Choose it if you play FIVB-style tournaments.
Mikasa VX20 Beach Classic Volleyball
You need this if: you want a real beach ball from a top brand without paying pro prices.
- SizeOfficial size and weight
- DesignBlue, yellow and white panels
- PriceAbout $22
- Ratings4.5★, 2,300+
Why we recommend it: It gives you Mikasa beach quality for a fraction of the FIVB ball price. Players praise its quality, outdoor suitability and playability. The three-color panels make it easy to read spin.
Keep in mind: Air retention is mixed in reviews, and it may need extra air out of the box. A pump is not included.
Wilson AVP Soft Play Volleyball
You need this if: you play casually and want a ball that does not hurt your arms.
- CoverSponge-backed synthetic leather
- SizeOfficial size, ages 13 and up
- BladderButyl, good air retention
- Ratings4.6★, 3,800+
Why we recommend it: The sponge-backed cover is noticeably softer on forearms, which beginners and casual players love. Players praise its quality, suitability for beginners, color and playability.
Keep in mind: Hardness is mixed in reviews, as some find it firmer than expected when fully inflated. Let a little air out for a softer feel.
Wilson Cast Away Replica Volleyball
You need this if: you want a fun gift that can also be played with.
- DesignMovie replica “Mr. Wilson”
- SizeOfficial size and weight
- Build18-panel, machine-sewn
- Ratings4.7★, 10,000+
Why we recommend it: It is one of the most popular volleyball gifts ever. Buyers praise how fun it is, the look, value and versatility. It is official size, so it works for casual games too.
Keep in mind: It is a novelty ball first. Serious players should choose the OPTX or VX20.
Budget alternative: the Baden Soft Strike is a soft, cushioned recreational ball for indoor and outdoor play that comes with a pump, for about $15.
Beach volleyballs compared
| Ball | Best for | Price level | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson AVP OPTX | Serious players | Premium | 4.7★ (2,800+) |
| Mikasa BV550C | FIVB tournaments | Premium | 4.5★ (840+) |
| Mikasa VX20 | Value | Budget | 4.5★ (2,300+) |
| Wilson AVP Soft Play | Beginners | Budget | 4.6★ (3,800+) |
| Wilson Cast Away | Gifts | Budget | 4.7★ (10,000+) |
Ratings were checked on Amazon in October 2026. Prices change often.
Beach vs indoor volleyballs
Beach balls are slightly larger, softer and inflated to a lower pressure than indoor balls, so they move more slowly and float more in the air. Their covers are built to handle sand, sun and water. Indoor balls are smaller, heavier and firmer for a faster game on hard floors. Using an indoor ball on the beach makes it feel hard and fly too fast, and sand wears it out quickly.
▶ Beach Volleyball Tips: 5 Secrets to Level Up Your GameBetter at Beach Volleyball shares simple tips for beginners and recreational players. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Beach volleyball net and court setup
For backyard or beach games, a portable net system like the adjustable outdoor volleyball net sets up in minutes. It has a 32-foot net and height-adjustable poles for men’s, coed and women’s heights, and buyers praise how easy it is to set up and how durable it is.
- Court size: an official beach court is 16 by 8 meters (about 52.5 by 26 feet). Casual games can be smaller.
- Net height: about 7 feet 11 5/8 inches for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women, with coed in between.
- Boundaries: use rope or tape lines and stake them into the sand.
Beach volleyball rules in brief
- Two players per team in official beach volleyball, though casual games often use more.
- Each team gets up to three touches to return the ball.
- Rally scoring: a point is scored on every rally. Sets are usually to 21.
- Open-hand tips and setting rules are stricter than indoors.
- Teams switch sides regularly to share the sun and wind.
Beach volleyball tips for beginners
- Bend your knees and stay low so you can move quickly in the sand.
- Pass with a flat platform: join your hands, lock your elbows and angle your forearms toward your partner.
- Talk constantly: call “mine” or “yours” so you never both go for the same ball.
- Serve underhand first until you can get the ball over consistently.
- Play with the wind in mind: serve and hit lower into the wind, higher with it.
What to bring to beach volleyball
- A beach volleyball and a pump with a needle
- A portable net and boundary lines if the beach has no court
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or visor
- Plenty of water
- Sand socks if the sand gets very hot
Backyard grass volleyball
Beach balls and portable nets also work on grass. For backyard games, choose a softer ball like the Wilson AVP Soft Play, set the net slightly lower for kids, and mark boundaries with rope or cones.
How to care for a beach volleyball
- Rinse off sand and salt water after playing and let the ball dry in the shade.
- Do not leave it in direct sun or a hot car, which can damage the cover and bladder.
- Check the pressure before playing. Beach balls are inflated lower than indoor balls.
- Use a wet needle when inflating to protect the valve.
Looking for more beach and backyard games? See pop-up soccer goals and portable pickleball nets, and gift ideas in fitness gifts.
Related guide: Playing indoors too? See the best volleyball knee pads. Got a pool? Try the best pool volleyball sets.
Related guide: Need a net? See the best portable volleyball nets for backyard and beach.
Beach volleyball ball size, weight and pressure
A beach volleyball ball is the same size as an indoor ball, but it is softer and a little lighter to play with. Official FIVB beach rules set these numbers:
| Spec | Beach volleyball | Indoor volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Circumference | 66 to 68 cm | 65 to 67 cm |
| Weight | 260 to 280 g | 260 to 280 g |
| Pressure | 0.175 to 0.225 kg/cm² (about 2.5 to 3.2 psi) | 0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm² (about 4.3 to 4.6 psi) |
The low pressure is what makes a beach ball float more in the wind and feel softer on your forearms. Check the pressure with a gauge before you play. A beach ball that is pumped up like an indoor ball will feel hard and fly too fast.
What is the official beach volleyball ball?
Two balls are used at the top level. The Mikasa Beach Pro BV550C is the official ball of FIVB international beach events. The Wilson AVP OPTX Game Volleyball is the official ball of the AVP pro tour in the US. Both are stitched, water resistant and built for sand, wind and sun. If you play in a league or train for tournaments, pick the one your league uses.
Sand volleyball vs beach volleyball: is it the same ball?
Yes. “Sand volleyball” and “beach volleyball” mean the same game and use the same ball. Any ball sold as a beach or sand volleyball will work on a beach, a sand court at the park or a backyard sand pit.
For grass courts and casual backyard games, a soft-touch ball is often nicer than a pro ball. The Wilson AVP Soft Play and the Mikasa VX20 Beach Classic are cheap, soft and forgiving for kids and beginners.
Setting up a court? See our guide to the best portable volleyball nets. For pool games, see the best pool volleyball sets.
Free tool: Setting up a court? Check the right volleyball net height for your group.
Related: Wilson Cast Away volleyball review
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach volleyball?
For serious players, the Wilson AVP OPTX, the official AVP game ball. For casual play, the Wilson AVP Soft Play.
What volleyball do the pros use on the beach?
The AVP tour uses the Wilson AVP ball, and FIVB international events use the Mikasa Beach Pro BV550C.
What is the difference between beach and indoor volleyballs?
Beach balls are larger, softer and lower pressure. Indoor balls are smaller, firmer and faster.
What is the best cheap beach volleyball?
The Mikasa VX20 for a real beach ball, or the Wilson AVP Soft Play for a soft recreational ball.
What is the best volleyball for beginners?
A soft, sponge-backed ball like the Wilson AVP Soft Play or Baden Soft Strike that does not sting.
How big is a beach volleyball court?
16 by 8 meters, about 52.5 by 26 feet, for official play.
How high is a beach volleyball net?
About 7 ft 11 5/8 in for men and 7 ft 4 1/8 in for women.
Is the Cast Away volleyball good to play with?
Yes, it is official size and fine for casual games, but it is mainly a fun gift.
What is the best beach volleyball ball?
The Wilson AVP OPTX Game Volleyball for US players and the Mikasa Beach Pro BV550C for international play. For casual games, the Mikasa VX20 is a good value.
What size is a beach volleyball?
66 to 68 cm around and 260 to 280 g, almost the same as an indoor ball, but with much lower pressure.
What pressure should a beach volleyball be?
About 2.5 to 3.2 psi (0.175 to 0.225 kg/cm²). That is much softer than an indoor ball.
Can you use an indoor volleyball on the sand?
You can for fun, but it is heavier in feel, harder on your arms and wears out faster in sand and sun.
How we chose
We compared the best-selling and best-reviewed beach volleyballs on Amazon in October 2026. We looked at official use, cover, feel, durability and price, and read Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews to see what players praise and complain about. We picked one ball for each level. We have not tested these balls in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
