The best BOSU balls give you an unstable platform for exercise while the ball stays firmly planted and safe to use. It’s an instrument that can be used for everything from building stabilizer muscles in the most gentle way to a hardcore full body workout.
But these things can get expensive which is why we’ve put together a list of cheap BOSU balls to save you time and help you avoid spending unnecessary wads of cash.
Because you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a great BOSU ball that performs well and won’t break or burst on you.
Read on for our top picks…
Our top picks for the best BOSU balls
- Our Top Pick: Pexmore BOSU Ball
- Best Premium Pick: BOSU Pro Balance Trainer
- Best Value: Sportneer Balance Trainer
The Best Cheap BOSU Balls (Quick Answer)
- PEXMORE Yoga Half Ball Balance Trainer – Our top pick
- Ovillow Yoga Exercise Ball
- BOSU Pro Balance Trainer – Professional grade option
- BELEBOOM Balance Trainer Ball
- DEVEBOR Half Ball Sport Balance Trainer
- Gaintex 23″ BOSU Ball
- Sportneer Balance Ball Trainer
1. PEXMOR Yoga Half Ball Balance Trainer
The Pexmor BOSU ball is a complete core trainer. This product includes the half ball, two detachable resistance bands, two air pumps, two air plugs and a free workout guide.
It’s a light weight BOSU ball that’s easy to transport around your house or during your workout. And it was designed by top fitness professionals to help both beginners and advance practitioners tone their muscles. The PEXMOR comes in two styles: smooth top and nubbed top. The nubbed on seems cool at first but for those with sensitive skin they can be a little uncomfortable at times.
However, if you’re not sensitive to the nubs and enjoy using a Rumble Roller then this might be the best choice for you since it does have a massaging effect on your back while you’re performing crunches.
Pros
- Total weight of ball is 12 lbs
- Rated to handle up to 660 lbs.
- The ball is made of hypoallergenic and eco-friendly material
- Nubbed surface provides stimulation like a massage and it’s slip resistant
- Base made is made of wear resistant ABS material with eight non-skid feet for stability
- Two detachable resistance bands included
- Two air plugs included
- Can be used as a balance board
- Workout guide included
- Easy to clean surface
- Is available in both blue and pink
- Comparable in quality of construction to higher priced BOSU balls
Cons
- No mention of warranty from the manufacture
- A few reports of the resistance bands being too long
2. Ovillow Yoga Exercise Ball, Premium Pro Balance Trainer
The Ovillow Yoga ball is light in weight and easy to take with you to the gym or park. And the non-slip textured surface means you’ll feel stable while exercising – even when you’re sweaty.
Your package includes two resistance bands, a pump and everything you need to get a great workout regardless of your skill level. We did feel like the bands were a little light but you can always use your own resistance bands if you have them. Otherwise, you can get a pair to use with the ball. The ball itself is a good quality and durable ball that you’ll be able to use for years without any issues.
Pros
- Supports up to 300 lbs.
- Ribbed textured surface to prevent slipping
- Foot air pump included in package
- Two detachable resistance bands included
- Ball made of blended and durable non-toxic PVC
- Base made non-slip ABS material
- Workout chart available online
Cons
- Only available in army green with a black base
- No warranty information available
3. BOSU Pro Balance Trainer
The BOSU Pro Balance Trainer is made to commercial standards so no matter how tough the workout is, this item will withstand the forces exerted on it.
If you’re planning on doing advanced workouts or know you’ll be using the ball daily, this one’s the most durable option. In fact, because it’s designed to withstand continuous daily use, it’s the preferred BOSU ball in many gyms across America.
Your package includes the commercial use BOSU ball, a pump, DVD for training, training manual, and its made in the USA. Chances are that, if you’ve used a BOSU ball at your gym, you’ve probably used this model. Additionally, its latex free making it a great option for anyone with latex allergies.
The only downside of this ball is that some purchasers reported the ball detaching from the frame. It can happen with anything produced in massive quantities I suppose. We didn’t and haven’t had any issues with that but its something to consider.
Pros
- Rated to handle up to 350 lbs.
- Both an exercise pamphlet and DVD included in the package
- Made in the USA
- Under the blue PVC dome is an 8 lb bladder to prevent it from leaking air
- Base is non-skid and non-marking
- Ball surface is non-skid and non-slip
- Hand air pump included in package
- Comes in blue and pink
- Surface is latex free and burst resistant
Cons
- No resistance bands
- 1 year limited warranty
4. BELEBOOM Balance Trainer Ball
The BELEBLOOM BOSU ball is a relatively new comer and replaced the previosly recommended Sweatflix ball. We really appreciate not only the style but also the durability of the BELEBLOOM. It holds up to 800 lbs of pressure which is far more than the traditional, non-pro BOSU balls. It also has a textured wave pattern on the surface making it very grippable and non-slip even when you’re sweating profusely.
The BELEBLOOM is also lighter than many BOSU balls, weighing only 11.5 lbs while having a thicker surface to prevent puncture. The bottom has tiny little grips to keep it in place and they do their job well. When you pick it up, it feels a little light but you can tell it’s a quality item. And its guaranteed for two years so if anything happens, you can send it back.
As far as style goes, at the time of this writing, it’s offered in three color options which are all much cooler than most of the current BOSU color options. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the BELEBLOOM.
Pros
- Rated to handle up to 800 lbs.
- Two detachable resistance bands included
- Foot air pump included in package
- Super cool style/color choices
- Ball surface is non-slip
- Extra thick surface to resist puncture
- Two year guarantee
Cons
- The elastic bands are a little weak/low resistance
5. DEVEBOR Half Ball Sport Balance Trainer
The DEVEBOR BOSU ball is a sleek, almost military grade looking half ball trainer. It’s spiral design is an anti-slip texture that’s excellent for heavy sweating and it has six rubber pads on the bottom that aid in keeping the ball in place.
It comes in a variety of bright & fun colors including bright greens, green/grey combo, and even a hot pink color. It’s rated for up to 800 lbs of pressure meaning you’d have a very hard time breaking this thing.
When it comes to dimensions, it’s 23.6 inches in diameter and almost 9 inches high making it the same size as almost every standard BOSU ball. A few key highlights that we love about this ball are that it’s made from eco-friendly PVC so its both durable and made in an environmentally friendly way. Another factor is that it has clips on the side which enable you to either use the included resistance bands or attach your own for higher or lower resistance levels.
Overall, this is a solid choice for a BOSU ball trainer.
Pros
- Rated to handle up to 800 lbs.
- Spiraled non-slip surface that’s great for intense sweat
- Two detachable resistance bands included
- Ball constructed of non-toxic and eco-friendly PVC
- Base constructed of non-toxic and eco-friendly ABS
- Is available in blue, green, pink, and black
Cons
- Some sources reported that their package didn’t include instructions.
- The stability nobs on the bottom may interfere with exercises if you flip the ball over and need to stand on the underside.
6. Giantex 23″ Yoga Ball
The Giantex is a complete BOSU ball system with resistance bands and an air pump. The material used in its construction is of high quality that is environmentally friendly. This product is light in weight at 11 ¼ lbs so transporting it is easy. The base also has eight non-skid feet for safe use as both a foundation for exercising and as a balance board.
Overall this is a decent option that’s durable and able to support quite a bit of weight. However, some people did have problems with the ball detaching from the base so that’s something to note.
Pros
- Rated to handle 441 lbs
- PVC material used for the ball is environmentally friendly
- ABS material used for the base is environmentally friendly
- Comes with two resistance bands
- Hand air pump included in package
- Is available in both blue and pink
Cons
- No mention of warranty
- No exercise video or posted included in package
7. Sportneer Balance Ball Trainer
The Sportneer BOSU ball is made of durable and long lasting PVC that is 4 mm in thickness. Included in the package are two resistance bands and a foot air pump to inflate the BOSU ball.
It’s rated to handle up to 550 lbs. which is likely more weight than you’ll ever put on it so it should’t burst or deflate even with heavy use. The included resistance bands make it a solid choice for weighted crunches or even some light curls or squats while you’re balancing on the ball.
Pros
- Rated to handle 550 lbs.
- Comes with two detachable resistance bands, one foot air pump and one valve plug
- Has pamphlet of exercises included
- Burst resistant PVC that’s 4 mm thick
- 8 non-slip slots for the resistance band to be mounted to the base
- Slip resistant dome
- Air pressure in dome adjustable to fit your needs
Cons
- No exercise video included
- Only 30 day money back guarantee
- Only available in light grey
What is a BOSU Ball
The term BOSU is in reference to its whole name, ‘both sides up’. This is a piece of exercise equipment that can be used as a yoga ball and a balance board. The leading advantage of the BOSU ball over the yoga ball is a more stable foundation because one side it flat.
Beneficial Uses For a BOSU Ball
The BOSU ball is used by amateur and advanced practitioners of yoga, fitness programs and those in rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injuries. With this item you’ll have a non-impact workout in the safest possible manner.
The types of exercises that can incorporate the use of a BOSU ball include strength training, along with cardio, aerobic, plyometric and athletic workouts just to name a few.
Practitioners that use a BOSU ball will develop better balance, flexibility and coordination while toning their muscles. For some, their reflexes will also improve.
For many with back pain the use a BOSU ball in their exercise routine will help them to recover from an injury and experience a reduction in the pain as the back and abdominal muscles become toned and strong.
When Resistance Bands Are Used With A BOSU Ball
When two resistance bands are connected to the base of the BOSU ball, a total body no impact workout is achievable.
Exercises that can be carried out include:
- Chest press
- Overhead press
- Bicep curls
- Front raise
- Triceps extension
- Squats
- Lateral Raises
- Many more…
Why Some Personal Trainers Don’t Like The BOSU Ball
Most personal trainers use weight training to achieve the goal of improving the strength of their clients. They wrongly think the BOSU ball is attempting to incorporate weight training with balance training. This is incorrect.
Strength training can be achieved by the lifting of weights. The toning of muscles is achieved by resistance training. It’s the resistance training to tone your muscles while improving your balance that make the BOSU ball so beneficial.
How To Choose The Right BOSU Ball For You
There are many different factors in choosing the correct BOSU ball to help you tone your muscles or recover from an injury.
One factor to consider is the surface area of the ball. There are two types, those with ridges and this with nubs. Both are non-slip so the type you are most comfortable with will be fine either way. However, I will say some people can have discomfort from the nubs when kneeling on the ball.
The weight of the available BOSU balls ranges from 11 to 20 lbs.
If you’re planning to transport your BOSU ball then weight will probably be a factor. If you’re planning to keep it at home, then the weight probably won’t be as much of a factor.
The material used in the construction of your BOSU ball is important to consider as well. By the material being eco-friendly that means there are no toxins or heavy metals in the material and they’re safe to use and can be safely exposed to children.
BOSU Ball Alternatives
There are a few alternatives to the BOSU ball that can be used if you need a BOSU mainly for balance. The primary alternatives are yoga balance boards and full sized exercise/yoga balls.
The yoga balance board can be used for standing, practicing push ups, or dynamic training where you jump and land on the balance board. However, you can’t use them for crunches and they are hart to use resistance bands with.
When it comes to yoga and exercise balls, these are closer to the BOSU experience. They’re cushioned and you can use them for crunches, push ups, pikes, etc. but they can be risky for balance. You’ve probably seen pictures of people standing on exercise balls before and noticed that there’s potential for injury.
Here’s when I would use a BOSU ball alternative:
- You need a cheap alternative and don’t need the stability or functionality of the BOSU ball.
- You need something only for balance and maybe some push ups.
In those cases, I may consider using a balance board or exercise ball. Most balls are so inexpensive though that you can easily just get one along with your BOSU ball or balance board.
Here are a few of the better options:
Amazon Basics Balance Board
EmeryMile Balance Board
URBNFit Exercise Yoga Ball
Mini BOSU Balls
This question is asked quite a bit and while there’s not really a “mini BOSU ball” necessarily, there are mini balance trainers that are half balls and work like a mini BOSU ball.
The balance trainers can be used for lower body exercises such as standing on one and training balance in each leg individually or you can place one under each foot and train balance in both legs.
They can also be used for upper body workouts such as placing one under each hand and performing push ups. We like the SPRI Balance Pods that currently come in a set of six. They have the ability to support your full weight when standing on them and have a spiked pattern on the outside which helps prevent slipping.
Our Top Pick
SPRI Mini BOSU Balls
Conclusion
In our opinion the best cheap BOSU ball is the PEXMOR Yoga Half Ball Balance Trainer. This is a complete core training package that includes everything along with backup items to ensure you can do almost any exercise you want.