Best Value Golf Balls 2024
Check out our guide to the best value golf balls that offer good all-round performance without breaking the bank
In life, usually if you want the best you have to pay a premium price and golf balls are no different. The very best golf balls on the market come at a price that may well be too much for many to contemplate, particularly if you are not the most accomplished golfer and tend to lose a lot of balls any time you play. While the top of the range best golf balls may deliver the finest all-round performance when it comes to feel, spin control and distance, the price tag can be a real obstacle for many.
The best premium golf balls undeniably offer the very best performance and should be considered if you have designs on improving and getting the very best out of your game, but they aren't essential and depending on your skill level you may actually benefit more from some of the value golf balls out there.
If you can’t, or don’t want to, pay premium prices there are plenty of cheaper alternatives out there which our testing has shown have improved beyond all measure over recent years. As long as it's the right type for your specific game, there are cheaper golf balls out there that will provide you with all the performance you need for where your golf game or budget is at right now. Gone are the days when all lower-priced balls felt like rocks. Times have changed, technology has advanced massively and so have the performance levels on offer.
We’d recommend you try a few before settling on a particular model, taking into account whether your game might benefit more from extra yards off the tee, better distance control on your approach shots or added feel around the greens. If you are interested, feel free to take time to check out our other golf ball guides too, whether you’re looking for the best mid price golf balls, the best distance golf balls or the best cheap golf balls.
The Quick List
Top pick
For golfers just starting the game or the higher handicapped golfer who want a strong performing ball that doesn’t break the bank, the Titleist Trufeel is the perfect option.
Best color choice
One of the most popular balls on the market, this fantastic value option offers outstanding performance, especially for senior players who don't want to spend lots on premium balls. The color choice on offer is excellent too.
Best for durability
Piper Golf might be a newcomer to the golf ball market, but the Piper Black is impressive around the greens, competitively long off the tee, and incredibly durable as well. An ideal option for the golfer on a budget.
Best for distance
If you're looking for extra yards then the high penetrating ball flight and hard-wearing nature of the Srixon Distance makes it a solid option for high handicappers and those with a medium/high swing speed.
Best ball flight
Wilson's Duo Soft 2023 golf balls will certainly appeal to players who like a high ball flight and are looking for a very soft feel. They feel superb off the face for those longer clubs and performed well for us right throughout the bag.
Most unique design
The TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink golf balls offer a balanced blend of feel and performance along with an eye-catching splatter design that makes them easy to find in the rough and grab your buddy's attention when you pull them out on the first tee.
Best Value Golf Balls
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
First up we have the TruFeel golf ball from Titleist. Although these cost slightly more than some of the other models in this list we believe the performance on offer still makes them excellent value.
It's a two-piece golf ball which usually means it's difficult to control around the greens, but Titleist has incorporated a softer 3.0 Truflex cover to provide more greenside spin and control. During testing we noticed that it has a springy feel on and around the greens which suggests it has been designed with beginner players in mind, but there was a surprising amount of spin which really makes this ball stand out as the pick of the value options.
In the longer game, a new TruTouch core has been introduced to promote extra distance. In testing it produced adequate distances with driver but it was always going to be shorter than the likes of the Pro V1 for example. You have to factor in that the TruFeel is half the price of the Tour level golf balls, but the performance is very solid and overall it is unquestionably one of the best cheap golf balls on the market.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 TruFeel Golf Ball Review
Best color choice
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Supersoft ball from Callaway has been around a while and is aimed at golfers with slow/moderate swing speeds who are seeking a soft feel. The Supersoft has undergone several improvements over the years and in the most recent model there is a new hybrid cover featuring what Callaway is calling a Paraloid Impact Modifier. The benefits from this are added distance and durability without sacrificing feel and short-game control. This is a ball ideally suited to the golfer who struggles to get the ball in the air, as Callaway’s patented HEX Aerodynamics cover pattern reduces drag and increases lift to help you launch the ball better. Furthermore, the Soft Compression Core then enhances energy transfer for more ball speed and a high-launch, low-spin combo in your longer clubs.
In our testing we definitely saw this to be the case but pleasingly we also saw some receptiveness with our approach shots, especially with longer irons and hybrids. We also like the black background on the Supersoft name which we think provides a great alignment tool. The Supersoft comes in six color options - white and yellow plus matte orange, green, pink and red whilst there are also several cool patterned designs to choose from as well. An ideal ball for seniors or those with a swing speed of 85mph or lower.
- Read our full Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball Review
Best durability
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Piper Golf may have only been around since February 2021, but its Piper Black golf ball is an exceptional product and a worthy entry on this guide. It's a three-piece golf ball with a urethane cover, offering premium tee-to-green performance at a price point that we have found to be much lower than many comparable golf balls.
This ball really impressed us in testing. We found it to be exceptional around the greens in terms of spin, control, and feel, while it also offered ample distance in the long game, making it a fine all round performer. Another plus was that it feels soft off the putter face, but crucially not too soft. According to Piper, the Black fits into the low to mid-handicapper range for golfers with a driver swing of around 100mph so that is something to be aware of. If your swing is slower than the Piper Blue will be a better option.
One final aspect we loved about this ball was the durability as it has one of the most durable covers of any ball we've tested. Even after full rounds and the comprehensive testing sessions we conducted this ball looked like it had barely been used, which certainly adds to what was already a great value product.
- Read our full Piper Black Golf Ball Review
Best for distance
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Srixon Distance ball has been around for some time but the latest model sees a softer compression than we're used to. The new Srixon Distance is designed to deliver optimum length via greater initial velocity and a higher launch angle for a more penetrating ball flight. Interestingly, the dimple count is down significantly too (108 fewer), which Srixon says is to reduce drag and increase lift for better performance in all wind conditions.
In testing we did see a good increase in distance and - as advertised - it also penetrated the air in windy conditions a little better than other models as well, which resulted in extra yardage. The trade off for this extra distance is the lack of significant feel when compared to more premium models. That being said, it's not like it feels like you're hitting a rock, which has often been an issue with golf balls designed purely for distance. They're very durable and considering its very low price, the Srixon Distance is a top choice for the golfer seeking extra yards without spending extra cash.
- Read our full Srixon Distance Golf Ball Review
Best ball flight
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Duo Soft is described by Wilson as the world's softest golf ball and, with a compression rating of 40, it’s hard to argue against it. The Duo Soft is a two-piece, Ionomer covered ball and as the name would suggest it is certainly one of the best soft feel golf balls on the market.
The softness comes from a newly formulated core which has been designed to allow for maximum energy return, causing this ball to fly further and launch higher with less effort, making it a great option for slower swingers and senior players who need a bit of help getting the ball in the air. In our testing, we experienced a towering, high trajectory with every club in the bag. The ball flight from the top of the bag to the bottom really sets this ball apart from the competition and this is the model to go for if you are seeking a high flight.
The combination of performance and value is hard to beat and we can confidently say it’s one of the best golf balls for slower swing speeds we have tested. It also comes in five different colors, including fluorescent yellow and red, so it's also a great option for winter golf.
- Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review
Most unique design
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
TaylorMade is a brand known for its capacity to think outside the box and start trends in golf equipment design and technology, and their latest 'Ink' golf balls continue this theme. The Speedsoft Ink ball features a really distinct visual design, with splashes of color splattered on the golf ball. While the main purpose is undoubtedly to deliver a cool, unusual aesthetic, the bright splashes of color serves another purpose as it enhances the visibility when searching for your golf ball in the rough.
While the design will be thing thing that draws most golfers to this ball, they will not be disappointed with the performance on offer. It is labeled as a mid-launching ball but in our testing we got it to spin and climb a little higher than we expected, so this will be good for those players who struggle in that regard. The SpeedSoft Ink golf balls have a compression delta below 50, so they feel extremely soft off the face at impact and will greatly benefit golfers with a slow/moderate club speed.
We would say the TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink golf balls are comparable to the likes of the Callaway Supersoft and Srixon Soft Feel in terms of both feel and performance, but you get the added color design as well with these balls. A dozen of these balls won't break the bank either which makes them a good gift idea.
- Read our full TaylorMade Speedsoft Ink Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
We take product testing very seriously and when it comes to testing golf balls - as the video above shows - we use several members of the Golf Monthly team (of various skill levels) to put golf balls to the test out on the golf course. At Golf Monthly we are all regular golfers and therefore seek to be as honest and insightful as possible in reviews and buyers' guides, in order to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
We believe that golf balls have to be tested over a number of rounds because that is how you can test for things like distance, feel, durability, spin and so on. Additionally we should make very clear that no manufacturer can buy a good review because we pride ourselves on our honesty and will tell you exactly it how it is.
How to choose golf balls
What factors should you consider when buying golf balls? We take a look here.
Durability
When it comes to value golf balls we believe durability is one of the most important factors. Occasionally cheaper models don't last as long because they cut up, or the cover isn't a high quality. Therefore they do not perform as well, for as long as other models. If you tend to lot a lot of balls during a round then durability is less important, but if you want something that will get you through a round or two, then check out balls that have firmer covers because they will be resistant to cuts and scrapes. Alternatively if feel is more important to you than durability, go for softer cover models.
Long game or short game?
What is your priority? Do you want to squeeze as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?
If distance is your preference, then firmer and harder golf balls are your best bet. Something like the Srixon Distance golf ball for example. Alternatively, if you put a premium on feel then models like the Titleist TruFeel are the way to go. Whatever you value, there is a model for you. (Also read our best soft feel golf balls guide for more models designed for feel.
Budget
Even in the value golf ball market there are still different levels and different price points so you need to be aware of how much you want or are willing to spend. The Titleist TruFeel is a value golf ball but it carries a higher price than, say, the Srixon Distance ball. Pretty much all of the models above can be found at different price points depending on the retailer so we would definitely recommend checking different sites to get the best price, and keep an eye out for events such as Amazon Prime Day when there are often great deals to be had.
Color
No longer do your golf balls have to be white, instead they can be different colors like yellow, red, or even green. These colors have different benefits especially in terms of being brighter and easier to see for those who may struggle with their eyesight. Additionally you can get models that have patterns or alignment aids on them as well so these days there are designs for every golfer.
Number of balls
Of course given how cheap some of the models are above, you can occasionally find deals on models that mean you can get 24 or sometimes even 36 golf balls for a cheap price. It is always worth checking this because we could always do with more golf balls in the bag right?
FAQs
What is the best inexpensive golf ball?
Thankfully there are lots of brands that mae excellent inexpensive golf balls, from the well-known ones like Titleist, Callaway and TaylorMade, to ones like Inesis, Volvik and Wilson. Importantly many of them have been designed to do different things - some are built for distance, some are designed to offer as much soft-feel as possible so be aware of what you want from a golf ball and find a model that matches that.
What are good golf balls for the average golfer?
Not all average golfers are the same and not all 20 handicap players will benefit from the same golf ball. Many factors determine which ball is best for a specific golfer, so things like swing speed, ball flight, launch trajectory all come into play. Be aware of your own game and what you require, and that will make it easier to choose the right ball. Specifically for the average golfer who doesn't want to over spend, we think models like the Titleist TruFeel, Callaway Supersoft, TaylorMade Soft Response, Wilson Triad and Srixon Q-star Tour or Soft Feel balls are good options to consider.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best value golf balls. For more golf ball buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf balls for high handicappers, or best golf balls for seniors.
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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°
Putter: LAB Golf DF3
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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