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7 Best Inflatable Bumper Balls of 2024

Updated
Learn how to choose the best and safest bumper ball for your kids.

Bumper balls, bubble balls, human hamster balls — they have many names. But they are all basically the same thing — a large air-filled ball in which a person can stand, run, and bump into others.

If your child wants to play bubble soccer or has asked for a bumper ball of their own, here’s everything you need to know.

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball
Big Ball for Big Fun
Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball
  • Handles & shoulder straps included
  • Ul Greengard approved
  • Inflates quickly
Product Image of the Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball
Two Size Options
Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball
  • Has shoulder straps & handles
  • Available in 2 sizes
  • Non-toxic & odorless
Product Image of the Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers
Made for Kids
Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers
  • Sized for smaller children
  • Easier to store
  • Square-ended bumper
Product Image of the Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set
Twice The Fun
Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set
  • Takes only 90 s to inflate
  • Has 2 adjustable shoulder straps
  • Comfortable canvas handles
Product Image of the Baturu Bumper Ball
For Big Kids & Small Adults
Baturu Bumper Ball
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Odorless PVC
  • Can accommodate a lot of weight
Product Image of the Sunshine Bubble Balls
Child & Adult Size Options
Sunshine Bubble Balls
  • Multifarious color options
  • Safe and durable materials
  • More affordably priced than some bumper balls
Product Image of the Hurbo Inflatable Bumper
The Best Accessorized Bumper Balls
Hurbo Inflatable Bumper
  • Bright & colorful design
  • Ul Greenguard approved
  • Ease of use


The Best Inflatable Bumper Balls of 2024

Here are our favorite inflatable bumper balls for kids and adults.

Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball

Big Ball For Big Fun

Hurbo has a line of bumper balls in a variety of color combinations. So, if you’re buying more than one, you can choose a different color for each person or ensure you have a matching or coordinating pair.

One style of the ball has a clear half and a colored half, while the other style has clear walls all around with internal spots of color. You can choose from clear and blue or clear and red, or there is an option for a completely clear version.

Choosing one with color does not affect the user’s ability to see through the ball, so it is purely a case of which you like the look the most.

Once inflated, the balls are five feet across at their widest point and a little over four feet tall. This makes them the ideal choice for most older kids and adults.

Pros

  • Handles and shoulder straps inside.
  • UL Greengard approved (1).
  • Inflates quickly.

Cons

  • No puncture kit.

Product Specs

Diameter 5 feet
Weight Range 110 to 200 pounds
Height Range 4’9” to 6’2”
Age Range 8 years and older
Additional Features None

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Size
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Experience

Great fun and durability, these bumper balls held up well even with kids knocking into each other and being bumped on concrete. The inner straps are adjustable and work well to hold the ball above the neck, protecting the head and neck from injury. While I enjoyed the product, I would suggest getting a clear ball for better visibility and considering storage space since they are quite large.


Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball

Two Size Options

The Yuebo bumper ball has the same color options as the Hurbo — half-color and half-clear, color spots, or fully clear. But this one is available in two sizes:

  • Five feet wide and just over four feet, two inches high.
  • Four feet wide and just over three feet, five inches high.

Both sizes have the same height and weight limits, which can be a little confusing. So we looked into this in more detail.

We found that both sizes of bumper balls will stand up to use by people of the same heights and weights, hence the limits. However, smaller people may find the smaller ball easier and more comfortable to use.

So, if one of the bumper ball users in your home is less than five foot five inches, they will find the four-foot ball more enjoyable.

Pros

  • Shoulder straps and handles.
  • Choice of sizes.
  • It inflates fairly quickly with the use of a pump, which isn’t included.

Cons

  • No puncture kit

Product Specs

Diameter 4-foot or 5-foot diameter options are available. Further specs in this table apply to both sizes.
Weight Range 60 to 250 pounds
Height Range 3’9’’ to 6’3”
Age Range 8 years and older
Additional Features None

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Size
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Insight

If you're looking for a fun and unique activity, these Yuebo bumper balls are a great choice. I found them to be comfortable and easy to use, with the added bonus of having two size options to accommodate different heights. They inflate fairly quickly with a pump (not included), and I appreciated the shoulder straps and handles for added safety. The only downside is that there's no puncture kit included, so you'll need to be careful when using them.


Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers

Made For Kids

If you want a pair of bumper balls and your kids are too young or too small for the regular versions, we have an option for you. Banzai makes this set of bumper balls they recommend for children between 4 and 12 years old.

These are not the completely round shape of standard bumper balls, nor are you completely enclosed. This child-friendly option from Banzai is more like an inflatable, square-ended bumper with tubes of air attached to the outside. It covers the body, leaving the arms, legs, and head exposed.

Since a child using this ball has their head unprotected, it is recommended your child wears a safety helmet when playing in them. Some parents also have their kids wear their wrist guard and knee and elbow pads that they use on the skateboard.

Pros

  • Sized for children.
  • Easier to store than larger bumper balls.
  • Highly affordable.

Cons

  • Lots of chambers to inflate.

Product Specs

Diameter 3 feet 11 inches
Weight Range Not listed
Height Range Not listed
Age Range 4 to 12 years
Additional Features Repair patch included

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Review

Best suited for younger kids, these Banzai bumper balls offer a child-friendly design that covers the body while leaving arms, legs, and head exposed. While playing, I found it essential for my child to wear a safety helmet and additional protective gear, ensuring a fun yet safe experience. Though these bumper balls are easier to store and highly affordable, inflating multiple chambers can be a bit time-consuming.


Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set

Twice The Fun

The Popsport inflatable bumper ball set gives you double the fun, as long as you are not too tall. That’s not because of any weight or height restrictions — those were not listed.

Multiple user reviews and comments state that at under four feet across, these balls are best for smaller teens and adults or kids. However, for taller adults, too much of your body sticks out of the balls.

We also found that smaller users had trouble playing for extended periods as the ball itself weighs 20 pounds.

If this size is suitable for your family, these are an excellent choice. The balls have canvas handles, covered with a soft plastic sleeve for comfort. There are also two adjustable canvas shoulder straps that stop smaller people from slipping out.

Pros

  • Only 90 seconds to inflate.
  • The smaller diameter is good for younger users.
  • Comfortable handles.

Cons

  • Weighty.
  • Not the best for taller users.

Product Specs

Diameter 3 feet 11 inches
Weight Range Not listed
Height Range Not listed
Age Range 8 years and older
Additional Features None

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Size
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Individual Opinion

From my personal experience, these inflatable balls have been a fantastic source of entertainment for kids during quarantine. They are youth-sized and fit my 10 and 11-year-old children perfectly, but might not be suitable for larger adults. Although we initially faced minor issues with air leakage, customer support was excellent and resolved the problem swiftly by sending a replacement.


Baturu Bumper Ball

For Big Kids And Small Adults

At first glance the Baturu looks exactly the same as the Hurbo and Yuebo, so why does it also make it onto our list of the best inflatable bumper balls? And if it’s similar, why isn’t it further up the list? The answer is its size.

Other standard bumper balls do work for adults and children. But those people on the smaller end of the spectrum may find it tiring to play for long or have difficulty controlling the ball.

The Baturu bumper ball is the best alternative if your kids and other bumper ball users are too big for the child-specific options, but the five-feet wide bumper balls are too weighty, or just simply too big.

You could even consider one of these balls for the shorter users and one of the other brands for the taller users.

Pros

  • Adjustable shoulder straps.
  • Odorless PVC.
  • They can accommodate a lot of weight.

Cons

  • Over three minutes to inflate with an electric pump.
  • Not available in a completely clear version.

Product Specs

Diameter 5 feet
Weight Range 100 to 250 pounds
Height Range 4’ 8” to 6’ 3”
Age Range 8 years and older
Additional Features Repair patch included

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Size
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These bumper balls are easy to inflate and deflate, making them convenient for storage. I had a blast using them at a party with both adults and children enjoying themselves. The thick plastic material feels durable, and I appreciated the adjustable, reinforced straps. Although there was an initial strong rubber smell, it dissipated after airing it out for a day.


Sunshine Bubble Balls

Child And Adult Size Options

This two-pack from Sunshine gives you red bumper balls although there are several color options to choose from. These can be both used by an adult or a child.

These bumper balls are made of thick PVC than other options. As a result, the Sunshine bumper balls are less prone to punctures if the user falls against something sharp.

If you are playing on a soft surface, as is advised for all bumper balls, this should not be a problem.

However, it cannot be used by adults weighing 176.3 pounds or beyond.

Pros

  • Multifarious color options.
  • Safe and durable materials.
  • More affordably priced than some bumper balls.

Cons

  • Not as round as other balls.
  • May not have the best quality.

Product Specs

Diameter 36 inches
Weight Range Up to 176.37 pounds
Height Range Not listed
Age Range 6 years and older
Additional Features None

Our Ratings

Durability
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Size
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Experience

When I first purchased these inflatable balls for my kids, I knew they would be great for burning off energy and aggression. However, I found that they must be used outside and inflating them was a bit of a hassle due to the one-way valves. The kids had a blast using them, but the durability was not the best as the seams tore apart after about 30 minutes of playtime. Despite the issues, my grandkids still loved playing with them on the trampoline.


Hurbo Inflatable Giant Human Hamster Ball

The Best Accessorized Bumper Balls

This bumper ball from Hurbo is a bright and colorful option, with clear panels interspersed with blue, red, or white dots.

There are four options available and can be used by children eight years and above.

In addition, it has two handles and shoulder straps to ensure safety for its users. Plus, it can easily be deflated and inflated in just a few minutes.

Pros

  • UL Greenguard approved.
  • Colorful.
  • Easy and safe to use.

Cons

  • Requires a large area.

Product Specs

Diameter 5 feet
Weight Range 110-200 pounds
Height Range 4’ 9” to 6’ 2”
Age Range 8 years and older
Additional Features Adjustable shoulder straps

Our Ratings

Durability
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Size
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Insight

These bumper balls are incredibly entertaining and well-constructed. The inner straps are adjustable and effectively hold the ball above the neck, providing protection for the head and neck during play. Although I wish I had purchased the 6ft size for added fun, these balls are still enjoyable and durable, even when bumped on concrete surfaces. One downside is the size when storing, but they are easy to inflate and deflate for events like birthday parties. Just be cautious when adults decide to join in the fun, as they might not last as long with the added roughness!


Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Diameter Weight Range Height Range Age Range Additional Features
Hurbo Inflatable Bumper Ball Big Ball For Big Fun 5′ 110 to 200 lbs 4’9” to 6’2” 8 years & older None
Yuebo Bumper Bubble Ball 2 Size Options 4-5′ 60 to 250 lbs 3’9’’ to 6’3” 8 years & older None
Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers Made For Kids 3′ 11″ N/A N/A 4 to 12 years Repair patch included
Popsport Inflatable Bumper Ball Set Twice The Fun 3′ 11″ N/A N/A 8 years & older None
Baturu Bumper Ball Big Kids & Small Adults 5′ 100 to 250 lbs 4’ 8” to 6’ 3” 8 years & older Repair patch included
Sunshine Bubble Balls Child & Adult Size 38″ 176.37 lbs N/A 6 years & older None
Hurbo Bumper Ball Accessories 5′ 110-200 lbs 4’ 9” to 6’ 2” 8 years & older Adjustable shoulder straps

At What Age Can Kids Use Inflatable Bumper Balls?

There are no universally accepted standards around bumper ball safety. The majority of companies that hire bumper balls or host bumper ball events set a minimum age limit of 8 years.

The majority of adult bumper balls weigh somewhere in the region of 20 pounds, so a younger child would struggle to play in one anyway. Children’s bumper balls weigh less but can still tip the scales at over ten pounds.

Are Inflatable Bumper Balls Safe?

There is the potential for injury when using bumper balls, especially with those who tend to be more boisterous and slam into each other with greater force.

If your children are going to be playing in bumper balls ensure they:

  • Use the handles and harness within the ball.
  • Play only on a soft surface such as grass or sand.
  • Do not play near hard surfaces, walls, curbs, roadways, or anywhere else they could potentially injure their head if they fall.
  • Are supervised at all times by a responsible adult who can intervene if the bumping becomes more forceful.
  • Use the bumper ball exactly as advised by the manufacturer.

Remember, no matter what the activity, you don’t have to suffer an impact to the head to get a concussion (2). A concussion can happen due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head. It is possible this could happen if children become too rough when playing with bumper balls (3).

Consequently, it’s important to supervise your children and ensure things don’t get out of hand.

How to Choose the Best Inflatable Bumper Balls?

There are a few things to consider when you are shopping for bumper balls.

Size

Bumper balls come in two basic sizes — child and adult. If you’re looking for bumper balls for 8- to 10-year-olds, a child-size bumper ball will be safer and more fun than an adult one.

Weight Capacity

Bumper balls have a weight capacity range that reflects how large the ball is, how much air it can hold and the strength of the materials and construction. It’s important to check the weight range on the bumper balls you are considering.

While a bumper ball may still fit on someone who is heavier than the listed weight capacity, it may not stand up to a heavier person falling over in it. The extra weight falling onto it may cause the bumper ball to burst and may result in injury.

Durability

Most bumper balls are made from the same .03-inch thick PVC, so they are all roughly equal in their ability to stand up to punctures. The PVC is resilient to water and average summer temperatures.

Where bumper balls may differ is in the quality control of the manufacturer. The best way to ensure you are choosing a durable bumper ball is to read reviews or choose one from our list.

Usability

Check the labeling to see how the ball is inflated and deflated. Bumper balls with multiple chambers may inflate more evenly, but they may take longer to inflate and deflate.

Ergonomic Fit

Look at how high the handles in the bumper ball are. This will ensure they will be at a comfortable height for everyone who uses it.

Safety

Check labeling to ensure the product you choose has been approved for use in the U.S.

Versatility

Smaller child-size bumper balls are good for the younger members of the family, but, because they are for a limited weight range, your kids can grow out of them pretty quickly. There’s also no chance of you having the opportunity to use one when the kids have gone to bed.

Consider whether you will get more use out of a larger bumper ball, suitable for both adults and children.

Extra Accessories

Look out for bumper balls that come with pumps, storage bags, or other useful accessories. Puncture repair patches are especially useful.


Fun With Bumper Balls

As long as they are used safely and with suitable supervision, bumper balls can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.

You can choose one of the bumper balls on our list, or use our information to choose your own. Either way, we recommend picking a bumper ball you can try out yourself. After all, you deserve some fun, too.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.