No time to read? My choice for the best glow in the dark basketball is the NIGHTMATCH Light Up Basketball.
For me, nothing is more enjoyable than playing basketball with friends late at night.
Playing basketball late at night means dealing with low light conditions, but the experience can make it more interesting if you have a glowing basketball.
While some would say basketball has been a perfect sport for everyone, adding a little fun and a different experience can make the game even more enjoyable.
Glow-in-the-dark basketballs offer the perfect experience for anyone looking to play the ball late at night. In this article, I’ll review the following glow-in-the-dark basketballs that light up!
- NIGHTMATCH Light Up Basketball
- GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball
- AND1 Nitegame LED Light Up Basketball
- OMOTIYA Glow in The Dark Basketball
- Cipton LED Light Up Basketball
- ALKOMI Glow in The Dark Basketball
- Adekale Outdoor Glow in The Dark Basketballs with Pump Kits
My 7 Top Recommendations
Glow-in-the-dark basketballs have become popular in recent years, so more and more manufacturers are making these.
As a result, finding one can be confusing, especially if you don’t have knowledge about these types of balls.
Relax and chill guys, as I have listed my top 7 best glow-in-the-dark basketballs that are available online today. These will surely make your ball games even more entertaining and satisfying. Check out my top picks!
1. NIGHTMATCH Light Up Basketball – Best Overall
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 618 grams
- Color: Orange
For anyone who loves outdoor play, especially late at night, you want a glow-in-the-dark basketball that glows brightly, and that is what the NIGHTMATCH Premium LED Light Up Basketball brings to the table.
The most impressive feature of this glow basketball is made of high-quality materials combined with two-impact activated LEDS to ensure maximum visibility in low-light conditions.
In addition, it comes with extra batteries to ensure it will remain lit for long periods for an exciting game for everyone. Spare batteries are always nice, especially if you play far from home.
It has an excellent grip, a true reflective effect, and bright led lights to ensure everyone enjoys and has fun during nighttime. Its water-resistant rubber exterior is the icing on the cake.
Overall, these dark basketballs are becoming more and more entertaining for everyone. It has an official size of 7″, making it a perfect gift for young players.
Pros
- Good for evening play
- It comes with included batteries
- Solid ball bounce
- Thick-skinned ball
- Automatic light on impact activated
Cons
- Detailing wears off after weeks of use
2. GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball – Best Value
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 639.5 grams
- Color: Orange
The GlowCity Glow glow-in-the-dark ball is the right choice for an evening hoop. This ball is so impressive because it has two led lights lasting up to 30 hours!
In addition, it’s impact-activated, which means upon the ball’s bounce, led lights will activate, and when you are done, this ball automatically shuts off.
This bright red basketball illuminates brightly late at night. Of all the balls I’ve tried, this is the brightest.
What made me love this ball is that it turns into a regular ball during the day.
But when nighttime comes, it turns into a led basketball, allowing you to see it much better despite low light conditions.
It’s also pretty easy to set up as the instructions are easy-to-follow and it doesn’t require much.
Pros
- It comes with pre-installed batteries
- It is a durable ball
- Better air retention
- Good grip and balance
- Great for any skill level
Cons
- Removing batteries can be difficult
3. AND1 Nitegame LED Light Up Basketball – Best Budget
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 650 grams
- Color: Orange
Going on a tight budget doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t getting a good glow-in-the-dark basketball. The AND1 Nitegame Basketball is one of the more affordable options on my list.
What you will love the most about this ball is that you will not need any on and off buttons; with just a bounce of the ball, it will automatically activate the LED lights inside.
It also has an official size of 7″, which makes it easier to control and handle. It is made of high-quality materials and offers amazing price-to-performance value.
Nonetheless, this glow-in-the-dark basketball is the right choice for beginners and first-time users.
The rubber bladder has excellent bounce shape retention, allowing you to play this ball for long hours.
Pros
- Official size ball
- Easy to spot during night time
- Impact-activated
- It lights up very well
- It makes night games fun
Cons
- It needs to be constantly inflated
4. OMOTIYA Glow in The Dark Basketball
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 699 grams
- Color: Black and Orange
When it comes to glow-in-the-dark basketballs, one of the best options available for most players is the OMOTIYA LED Light Up Basketball. It is made of high-quality rubber and glows brightly late at night.
Also, it will glow brightly under several conditions, so I feel this ball ranks as one of the best glow-in-the-dark basketballs in the market today.
I also loved that this ball feels pretty solid and durable. The bounce is decent and has amazing air retention features, as I have used it for weeks and encountered no issues at all.
During the day, the Omotiya Led Light Ball turns into a regular basketball and plays like a normal ball.
The rubber bladder holds air efficiently, and the materials used for this ball are completely safe for the whole family.
Pros
- Included batteries last long
- Decent grip and better exterior
- Feels pretty durable
- It lights up as soon as it’s touched
- It feels more like a real basketball than a toy
Cons
- It needs to be inflated regularly
5. Cipton Basketball, LED Light Up Basketball
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 624 grams
- Color: Black and Yellow
The Cipton Glow in the Dark basketball is not your regular basketball. Its glow is bright enough to ensure maximum visibility late at night.
It has a great bounce, it doesn’t feel cheap, and playing with these has been a breeze for everyone in the family.
While not really a drawback, I often need it to inflate on a game-to-game basis to ensure that I get the optimal level of bounce possible. Also, the batter is big enough to last you the entire game or more.
Overall, the Cipton Glow LED ball is pretty decent in glow and performance. It comes with a small pump and extra batteries for good measure.
Pros
- It comes with replacement batteries
- Decent ball bounce
- The good ball size for all skill levels
- Impact-activated
- Great for nighttime play
Cons
- A little bit pricey
6. ALKOMI Glow in The Dark Basketball
Features:
- Age Range: Youth 3+
- Item Weight: 620 grams
- Color: Green
If you want to venture out of the ordinary, I can recommend the ALKOMI Glow in The Dark Basketball.
It’s a unique and sleek glow-in-the-dark basketball due to its color. While most glow-in-the-dark basketballs look like the sun with their traditional color, this ball has a different take.
The ball is green in color and is made of a special material that gets charged with the help of the sun. Its battery is long enough to stay on for up to 4 hours.
One amazing feature of this ball is it is made of composite hygroscopic leather, which means it is durable enough to last you a couple of years with regular use.
Overall, this ball is great, especially for young players trying to play the full-on game of basketball during nighttime. The green color allows you to shoot it confidently, even if it’s dark already.
Pros
- Unique and sleek design
- Made of durable leather
- Stays up to 4 hours
- Good bounce with distinct color
- A great option for other ball games as well
Cons
- It has a different color than your traditional basketball
7. Adekale Outdoor Glow in The Dark Basketballs with Pump Kits
Features:
- Age Range: Youth
- Item Weight: 921 grams (package)
- Color: Multicolor
If you want a colorful approach to glow-in-the-dark basketballs, the first LED basketball that comes to mind is the Adekale Outdoor Glow in The Dark Basketballs with Pump Kits.
It’s a perfect ball for players of all ages, making the game even more fun with its colorful design.
One unique feature this ball has is you don’t need batteries to illuminate light.
All you have to do is place the ball in sunlight or other light sources, and the ball will simply emit like other led basketball types.
This ball is also made with abrasion-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting use.
One of the best features of this ball is that it comes with a ball net, two needles, and a pump, which makes the deal even sweeter.
Nevertheless, this colorful ball can make the game fun, especially for players of all ages.
Pros
- It comes with a pump, needles, and a ball net
- No batteries needed
- Made of durable leather
- Great for kids of all ages
- Unique and colorful design
Cons
- It doesn’t glow too brightly
Why Should You Invest In The Best Glow In The Dark Basketball?
Because why not? Glow-in-dark basketball is one of the best products you can buy to turn your boring night into a more entertaining one.
These balls are designed to emit light in the dark, which makes them highly visible and allows you to play basketball in darker conditions.
Whether playing basketball on indoor courts with poor lighting or outdoors in the evening, a glow-in-the-dark basketball can help you easily track them under these conditions.
In addition, with a glow-in-the-dark basketball, you can extend your playing hours as you can hoop in the evening. The illuminated ball allows you and your friends to keep playing.
Lastly, a glow-in-the-dark basketball makes for a fun and unique experience for everyone.
Not many people get to play with a glow-in-the-dark basketball; it creates a striking effect that makes the game even more entertaining and unique.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference as not many players are keen on playing with these types of basketball.
They would often prefer using traditional basketballs under normal conditions.
What Are Things to Consider When Buying a Glow in the Dark Basketball?
When buying a glow-in-the-dark basketball, there are some factors you need to consider to ensure you get the right one.
Here’s a buying guide and some important things you need to consider.
Size
Regarding balls, there are different sizes for a specific age group, which is why size is an important consideration. When in doubt on what size to buy, please check out the article I have written about basketball sizes by age.
Smaller balls are easier to handle and control, which makes them the best choice for young players. Bigger ones are intended for high school players and above.
They are big and make it easier to shoot. However, they are not the best option for kids because larger balls can make it difficult for young players to control and handle.
Ultimately, the choice rests solely on your shoulder. If you plan to use it, you should get the official one.
But if you plan to buy it for your children, you should go to a smaller size and slowly introduce them to larger ones as they age.
Durability
A reliable and durable ball is a must. You don’t want a ball that easily gets deflated or damaged with just a few uses.
That’s why choosing a ball specially designed for evening play is key.
A durable one ensures you get with it for a long time while retaining its shape without getting damaged.
The grip should be decent enough to allow better control and handling.
Lastly, if you’re planning to play basketball outside frequently, choosing one that is weather-resistant is highly recommended to help keep the lights safeguarded.
Glow Performance
If you start playing in the evening, one of your worries is getting hit by the ball because you couldn’t see it coming.
You will want a ball that is bright under low light conditions. Look for a ball with bright LED lights.
In addition, you want a ball that will glow for a couple of hours before recharging. Some products can only stay lit for a few minutes, whereas some can get you a few hours.
Price
As they say, live within your means. Compare different prices from different brands to find a ball that suits your budget.
Also, always consider that products with better glow performances are far more pricier than others but can also provide better long-term value.
Nonetheless, there will always be that one product that suits your budget.
Searching through your local area is always recommended to ensure you get the right LED basketball.
Do Glowing Basketballs Last?
It depends on the manufacturer. Some glowing ones might last longer than others, but it boils down to the usage and materials used when making these products.
What you will be trying to emphasize is more on the glow. You want something that can glow longer to ensure you play basketball every night.
As mentioned, if you plan to do it frequently in the evening, choosing a ball made of weather-resistant materials is highly recommended to ensure durability and longevity.
Ultimately, most glowing basketballs should last you long enough to enjoy playing them. Glowing lights should still be bright enough during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You might find some answers below if you have additional questions regarding glow-in-the-dark basketballs.
How Does a Glowing Basketball Work?
Most glow-in-the-dark basketballs are made of special materials that need to be charged during the day via sunlight or any light source.
When they are already charged, they emit light in the dark, which provides better visibility late in the evening.
On the other hand, some types come with an included battery that activates on impact. When you dribble the ball and it hits the floor, the impact will activate the light inside.
Nevertheless, these types follow the same concept of keeping your game interesting even when it’s dark.
Can You Use a Glow in the Dark Basketball in Indoor and Outdoor Games?
Of course! Some of these models work like your traditional basketballs and will only turn into glowing basketballs in the evening. So, go ahead and enjoy them indoors and outdoors.
The Awesome Choices
If you are still struggling to choose between amazing options, here’s a summary of my top picks to help you trim down your options.
Best Budget – AND1 Nitegame LED Light Up Basketball
For the price, the AND1 Nitegame is a game changer in terms of functionality, performance, and features.
It provides a good glowing effect that stays on longer than most products within the price point but at a lower price. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, which makes this an amazing budget choice.
Best Value – GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball
In terms of performance and price, the GlowCity hits the sweet spot. It has one of the brightest glows out of all the products on my list and stays longer than it should.
Also, the grip is decent, and the materials used for this product say it’s made of premium materials. Nonetheless, these are great glow-in-the-dark basketballs for all ages.
Best Overall – NIGHTMATCH Light Up Basketball
The Nightmatch basketballs are a well-balanced one. It performs admirably well under dark conditions, and playing games with these has been fun and exciting for everyone.
In terms of value, you get more with what you paid for with these. You get a solid product that can also be used like a regular basketball during the day.
Conclusion
Having the right glow-in-the-dark ball can help you perform well late in the evening.
The only problem is that finding the right one can be challenging, with many products to choose from.
However, with my list and buying guide above, you can get a great-performing ball that shines brightly under different conditions.
These are tested and proven to be a good addition to late-night basketball games with friends and family.