7 Of The Best Bosu Balls Reviewed

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Bosu Ball exercises can benefit your health in many ways. What are some of the best Bosu Balls to enable these types of workouts?

You can describe the Bosu Ball as the top of a stability ball attached to a flat surface. You can use this piece of equipment on both of its sides to improve certain fitness components including balance, coordination, muscle strength, and flexibility.

Best Bosu Ball picks

After writing over 50 articles about Bosu Balls and many hours of research, I have concluded that these are the best Bosu Balls:

Keep in mind that it is not possible to create a ranking that is ideal for every individual. Picks lower on the list can be better for certain situations and personal preferences.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of Bosu Balls. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Weight capacity, size, texture, price, accessories, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
  • Price
  • Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Of the best Bosu Balls reviewed in depth

Besides looking at the general overview of top picks, it can be helpful to look at each of the options a bit more in depth. That way you can make the best choice for your personal situation and training goals.

1. Bosu Balance Trainer “The Original”

The first option on this list is “The Original” Bosu Balance Trainer from the Bosu brand itself. This one is considered to be the standard at-home use option.

This Bosu Ball model is has a slightly lower weight capacity than the commercial models. That being said, a weight capacity of 300 pounds can still be enough for many users and purposes.

On the other hand, this means the price of this Bosu Ball model is also lower. Besides that, “The Original” is available in a wide variety of color combinations.

In the end, this is definitely one of the top options when it comes to a combination of price and quality.

Pros

  • Relatively budget-friendly when it comes to Bosu Ball brand models
  • 300 pounds weight capacity
  • Bosu Ball brand name
  • Comes in a variety of color options
  • Comes with downloadable workouts and handpump

Cons

  • The packages of some users are missing a pump and/or plug
  • Foot pumps are generally more convenient
  • Only 6 small rubber feet

“The Original” Bosu Ball package comes with downloadable workouts and a handpump. One issue some users have is that the pump and/or plug are missing from the package. The Bosu Ball customer support is generally quick to help in these cases.

When inflated this Bosu Ball measures 26 inches (65 centimeters) in diameter and 10 inches in height. This allows you to use the Bosu Ball for things like balance, coordination, stretching, and even some resistance training.

The actual Bosu Brand does come at a higher price than other balance trainers. That being said, buying from this 20-year old brand does offer a certain feeling of security that the product will be good, and if not, the customer support will be helpful.

2. Bosu Pro Balance Trainer

The Bosu Pro Balance Trainer is a step above “The Original” in both quality and price. This model is made to endure being used over and over in a commercial setting.

Some of the main differences with the at-home Bosu Ball include a higher weight capacity and better rubber padded. This rubber padding can be both more stable and help better with preventing sliding and scratching.

Pros

  • 350 pounds weight capacity
  • Bosu Ball brand name
  • Comes with access to 6 exercise DVD downloads, a downloadable exercise wall chart, and a downloadable training manual
  • Comes with hand pump
  • Suitable for commercial use
  • Rubber base for anti-slip

Cons

  • Only comes in the color blue
  • Pricier than off-brand options

The Bosu Pro Balance varies in a few ways but it still has the more standard dimensions of 26 inches (65 centimeters) in diameter and 10 inches in height. This Bosu Ball model again comes with a hand pump.

When investing in this option you also get access to 6 exercise DVD downloads, a downloadable exercise wall chart, and a downloadable training manual.

The complete rubber base in the Bosu Pro Balance instead of 6 small rubber feet in “The Original” is helpful for ensuring a safe and comfortable workout.

Together with the increased weight capacity, this Bosu Ball model can be a good choice for gym classes, commercial gyms, personal training, physical therapy, etc.

If you plan to invest in multiple Bosu Balls for a commercial setting, you may also benefit from a good Bosu Ball storage rack to save space, improve portability, and keep the workout space tidy.

3. Best Choice Products Half Ball Balance Trainer

This model from Best Choice Product is the first off-brand half-ball balance trainer. The price is a lot lower compared to the Bosu brand. However, cheaper does not always mean worse.

Many users find that the Best Choice Product Half Balance Trainer works amazing, possibly just as great as the Bosu Balls. One thing to keep in mind is that this off-brand is option has a slightly smaller diameter.

On the other hand, it does come with additional anchor points for the included resistance bands. This can be helpful for combining balance training with certain strength training exercises.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Comes with a foot pump
  • Includes attachable resistance bands
  • 660 pounds weight capacity

Cons

  • Not from the actual Bosu brand
  • Only 6 small rubber feet

One of the options you have when looking for Bosu Ball alternatives is choosing an off-brand balance trainer. You may not have the same secure feeling as buying from the Bosu brand but in the can of the Best Choice Product model this is not needed.

While the diameter of the balance trainer is 23″ instead of the 26″ of most Bosu Ball models, most users are more than happy with their purchase. Similar to Bosu Balls this option has a height of 10 inches when inflated.

In some ways the Best Choice Product model is even better than the Bosu Balls. The weight capacity of this pick is 660 pounds and it comes with anchors for the included resistance bands. While they won’t offer the most extensive resistance training you can use them for a few exercises like bicep curls, lateral raises, and tricep extensions.

Besides that smaller surface, the downsides compared to something like the Bosu Pro Balance Trainer include no carry handles on the flat surface, 6 rubber feet instead of a full rubber strip, and no guides. For many people this makes it still worth switching over to the off-brand Best Choice Product Half Ball Balance Trainer.

4. BOSU Pro NexGen Balance Trainer

The main difference between the Bosu Pro NextGen and one of the previous options, the Bosu Ball Pro, is the texture of the round part of the ball. With the extra physical cues it becomes easier to position yourself in the middle or similar to your previous workouts.

This subtle difference is not worth the higher price for everyone but it can be worth it. Especially in the environment of a commercial gym where many people will use the Bosu Ball again and again, a slightly higher investment can improve a lot of workouts.

Pros

  • Specific design for the round part to improve body positioning, physical cueing, and grip
  • 350 pounds weight capacity
  • Bosu Ball brand name
  • Comes with exercise wall chart and downloadable DVD
  • Suitable for commercial use
  • Rubber base for anti-slip
  • Comes with hand pump

Cons

  • Only comes in the color blue
  • Relatively expensive, even compared to other Bosu brand models

Similar to most other commercial Bosu Ball models the NextGen Pro Model comes with a 350 pounds weight capacity, 26-inch diameter, a height of 10 inches when inflated, rubber anti-slip base, and the color blue.

In addition to the Bosu Ball you get a workout guide to put up on a wall and a downloadable DVD.

The main downside of this model is its relatively hefty price tag. These extra markings on the round part of the Bosu Ball are not an absolute must. In exercises with the round part on the ground, they don’t really benefit the workout.

5. Sportneer Half Balance Ball

This next Sportneer model is another off-brand half balance ball. Even so, many users find the quality comparable to a regular Bosu Ball or at least more than sufficient for their workout plans.

The main differences with the Best Choice Products Half Ball Balance Trainer are the anti-slip pattern on the flat side, 8 rubber feet instead of 6, and higher price. That’s why this model is lower on the list.

Pros

  • Budget-friendlier than Bosu Balls
  • 660 pounds weight capacity
  • Includes attachable resistance bands
  • Comes with a foot pump
  • Anti-slip flat surface

Cons

  • Not from the actual Bosu brand
  • Only 8 small rubber feet

The Sportneer Half Balance Ball has a diameter of 23 inches and is 10 inches tall when inflated. Similar to the previous off-brand model this option can hold a good amount of weight that should be more than enough for most people and most uses.

Besides that, you can the attachable resistance bands that enable more exercises.

8 small rubber feet will not be as good as the rubber straps in the more premium Bosu Balls. However, again for most uses this will be sufficient.

At the time of writing, the balance trainer of Best Choice Products previously mentioned offers very similar features but at a lower price. However, if you find the anti-slip flat surface, the different colors, and extra rubber feet important, the Sportneer Half Balance Ball could also be a good choice.

6. Bosu Sport Balance Trainer

The Bosu Sport Balance Trainer is basically the smaller-sized and cheaper version of “The Original”. This includes when it comes to diameter, height, and weight capacity.

On the one hand, this makes the Bosu Ball easier to store and transport. On the other hand, this does often reduce the effectiveness of workouts by a small amount.

Whether this option is a better or worse choice than the other Bosu Balls and balance trainers on this list ultimately depends on things like your personal situation and training goals.

Pros

  • Relatively budget-friendly when it comes to Bosu Ball brand models
  • 250 pounds weight capacity
  • Bosu Ball brand name
  • Comes with downloadable workouts and handpump
  • Easier to store due to smaller diameter and lower height

Cons

  • Smaller diameter and lower height than most balance trainers

This cheaper Bosu Ball comes with a 22-inch diameter and height of 7 inches. The smaller model can still hold a good amount of weight, 250 pounds, but that is again less than what you can expect from most of the Bosu Balls.

In this case, smaller does mean more budget-friendly. So if you want a Bosu Ball that is easier to carry, easier to store, cheaper, but smaller and with a lower weight capacity, the Sport Balance Trainer model may be the right choice.

7. ZELUS Balance Ball Trainer

Next, there is another off-brand balance trainer model. At the time of writing, the Zelus Balance Trainer is more expensive than the Best Choice Products model and cheaper than the Sportneer model. In terms of features, it falls behind both.

Even with that in mind, the Zelus Balance Ball Trainer can definitely be a worthwhile investment. It can offer you a way to train balance, coordination, flexibility, and muscles. Some of these at the same time.

Pros

  • Budget-friendlier than Bosu Balls
  • 330 pounds weight capacity
  • Includes attachable resistance bands
  • Comes with a foot pump

Cons

  • Not from the actual Bosu brand
  • Only 6 small rubber feet

The dimensions of the Zelus model include 23 inches for the diameter and 9.8″ in height. This construction can hold up to 330 pounds of weight which should be enough for most people.

Besides that, this Bosu Ball alternative comes with attachable resistance bands and a foot pump. 6 small rubber feet are on the low side and definitely not as good as a full strap but for most uses, this should be enough.

All in all, the Zelus model is not outstanding when it comes to its features but the low price can make it a good choice anyway, for example if the Best Choice Products model raises its prices or is out of stock.

FAQ

Are BOSU balls worth the money?

Half-ball balance trainers like Bosu Balls can benefit your workouts in relatively unique ways. Some people find off-brand Bosu Balls just as good. Others find the specific texture, features, and company behind BOSU Balls worth the extra money.

Is there a difference in BOSU balls?

There are differences between the types of Bosu Balls. Some of these include weight capacity, the texture of the rounded part, sizes, color options, etc.

Is a BOSU ball a good workout?

The Bosu Ball can definitely offer a good workout. This piece of fitness equipment mostly stands out in its versatility, balance, coordination, and flexibility training. Individuals very advanced when it comes to these things may need even more of a challenge than a Bosu Ball.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.