Updated September 7, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Usually built with the help of a thin but durable urethane cover, the best golf balls on the market offer a combination of great value, long distance, high spin, long lasting durability, and exceptional feel.
All the balls on our list are worth your consideration, but it is wise to take the time to understand why each ball is different and how a specific type of ball could lower your scores and increase your distance.
Here are our choices for the best golf balls in 2023.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2023-09-27. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- Things to Consider When Buying a Golf Ball
- Best Golf Balls 2023
- Titleist Pro V1 2023 Balls
- Callaway Chrome Soft 2022 Golf Balls
- Bridgestone Tour B XS 2022 Golf Balls
- Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Balls
- TaylorMade TP5x Golf Balls
- Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
- Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls
- Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Titleist Pro V1x Golf Balls
- Srixon Z Star XV
- Titleist AVX Golf Balls
- Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Balls
- Bridgestone e12 Soft Golf Balls
- Callaway Superhot Golf Balls
- Volvik S4 Golf Balls
- Titleist Pro V1 2023 Balls
- Questions & Answers
Things to Consider When Buying a Golf Ball
Spin
The spin of a ball is vital to its control.
Whether the ball is on the fairway, in the rough, or around the green, the golf balls have a soft cover that enables maximum spin as the grooves grab and create friction to spin the ball.
Durability
The durability of a ball contributes to how long a golfer can play the ball and experience the soft feel from the fairway and high spin without a loss in quality.
Even though most players are focused primarily on feel, spin, and distance, the cover of the golf ball is one of the areas that signals the overall health of the ball.
Levels of Golf Balls
There are two types of golf balls; two-piece and multi-piece or multi-layer.
Two-piece golf balls have an outer layer that wraps around a one-material core. They usually offer one advantage: softness and spin or more distance from the tee box.
Multi-piece golf balls offer sophistication to the low handicapper. They have high-quality covers that reduce drag on the ball for more distance. They also carry a core made of multiple layers to create greater spin for shot-stopping power and added distance.
Compression
The ball’s compression rating corresponds with a golfer’s swing speed. The slower the swing, the lower the compression rating should be on the ball they play.
Most compression ratings are tied to the speed of a golfer when using the driver. Senior and women golfers routinely play with golf balls that have a 60-70 compression rating.
Most mid-handicappers play with balls with an 80-90 compression rating. Professional golfers use golf balls that reach a 110 rating.
Low compression golf balls help slower swingers get the ball down the fairway by offering more spring at impact when compared to high compression golf balls.
With a higher swing speed, a golfer needs less spring to reach maximum distance with a higher compression ball.
Layers
A ball can have anywhere from two to five or more layers. Each layer performs a specific function that helps the golfer.
The first layer is the cover. This holds the dimple design that affects the flight of the ball.
Internal layers add anything from additional distance to increased spin. For golfers who like a soft golf ball, additional layers can create the high spin, soft landing short game that most advanced players crave.
Recommended: How to Buy Golf Balls (Buying Guide)
Best Golf Balls 2023
Titleist Pro V1 2023 Balls
Best Golf Ball Overall
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PROS
- It provides less spin off the tee for a piercing distance that transforms
- Excellent greenside spin for ultimate control from bunker or rough
- For golfers with moderate to high swing speeds for better ball flight
CONS
- One of the most expensive but premium options in the golf ball market, not suited for beginners
The Titleist Pro V1 has long worn the crown as the top ball for both professionals and amateurs.
Not only does it deliver exceptionally great distance off the tee, but around the greens, there is no other ball that can match its control.
The Titleist Pro V1 is our choice as the best ball for mid handicappers (it’s also the best golf ball for average golfers) simply because of how easily it allows the double-digit handicap golfer to make the jump to the next level.
Callaway Chrome Soft 2022 Golf Balls
Best Golf Ball to Increase Short Game Spin
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PROS
- Increased swing speeds off the tee and from the fairway
- Softer feel for better short gameplay
- Outstanding forgiveness with improve dimple pattern to reduce side spin
CONS
- Doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x
The Callaway Chrome Soft is crafted as one of the best tour golf ball available.
It doesn’t reach the heights of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x, but it delivers features that all golfers need, including improved greenside spin and increased ball speed off the tee.
The Chrome Soft’s spin rate is outstanding, making it well deserving as one of the best balls today. Even from sand or high rough, we were very impressed with the wedge spin generated by the Chrome Soft.
This is an excellent tour ball that might not match the balls by other companies, but it’s slightly more affordable and well worth the look if you want better control around the greens.
Bridgestone Tour B XS 2022 Golf Balls
Best Distance Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Redesigned compression soft core provides solid greenside spin
- Unique urethane cover with advanced dimple pattern increases distance
- Consistent flight from tee to green with improved control and feel
CONS
- Best served for mid handicappers and less for beginners and single-digit handicappers
The preferred ball of Tiger Woods, the Bridgestone Tour B XS is an affordable tour model that keeps your distance long and the feel of your shots high from anywhere on the course.
Powered by a dual dimple pattern system, the Tour B XS provides the golfer with additional distance, spin, and feel.
The seamless urethane cover on the Bridgestone Tour B XS is another proprietary innovation that allows for a more aerodynamic flow around the ball. Its urethane cover is one of the primary reasons its shots are consistent and reliable.
Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Balls
Best Golf Ball for Increasing Distance
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PROS
- Exciting distance golf ball that increases shot speed and launch angle
- Best golf ball to upgrade your yardage and improve your overall game
- Improved aerodynamics streamlines the shot making ability of the Velocity
CONS
- Simple two-piece ball that doesn’t have the grace of a Pro V1 but delivers the distance
The Titleist Velocity is the well known company’s answer to the two-piece monster distance market.
While most two-piece balls designed for maximum yardage from the box lack sophistication, the Velocity has enough interesting features to keep even the solid mid handicapper engaged on the links.
If you are a high handicapper looking to offset your slower swing or a mid handicapper that would like an affordable golf ball with a few extra yards, then the Titleist Velocity will minimize the nicks and scratches commonly associated with two-piece balls giving it terrific durability over the life of the ball.
TaylorMade TP5x Golf Balls
Best Tour-Level Golf Balls for Advanced Golfers
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PROS
- Five-layer construction offers innovative technology for the advanced player
- Low drag dimple system plus a Dual-Spin cover create a breathtaking distance
- Four stiff layers around the core give the ball more carry and control from long distances
CONS
- Elite-level ball that is made for elite players who can craft shots
With golfers facing the choice between so many elite level and the best golf balls, TaylorMade has tried to reduce the confusion with a streamlined tour golf ball named the TP5x.
Built with five layers, the TP5x utilizes each layer to create one of the most stunning golf balls we’ve seen in quite some time.
Compared to the other models in the top tier, the TaylorMade TP5x is a brilliant innovative effort that dazzles from tee to green.
Read our full TaylorMade TP5x Golf Balls Review
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Best Ball for Soft Feel and Greater Spin on the Green
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PROS
- Two-piece design is crafted to improve spin from the fairway and on the green
- Soft core helps with increasing spin on wedge shots from sand and rough
- Plays well with slower swingers who need their distance with a level of sophistication
CONS
- Soft cover and core depress distance but offer the inexperienced golfer more control and spin
The Srixon Soft Feel registers higher spin rates and longer yardage than most in this class of ball. We found during our testing that it was more precise when it came time to launch shots at the pin.
Near the green, most two-piece balls figuratively fall apart with low spin, but that’s not the case with the Srixon Soft Feel.
An excellent ball from tee to green, this is a dazzling option for the mid and high handicappers who need an affordable ball that doesn’t lose its edge.
Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls
Affordable Premium Golf Balls for High Handicappers
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PROS
- Crafted to provide excellent consistency for beginning golfers
- Highly durable with reformulated core creating more spin near the green
- Low compression core lifts swing speed of high handicappers
CONS
- Affordable and versatile budget ball best suited for high handicappers and beginners
Bridgestone is one of the best ball manufacturers on the market and their e6 line has been a popular model that has its fair share of fans.
The e6 has a redesigned core that accelerates ball speed for beginners who are discovering the need for more distance.
For beginners that want a better ball without paying the price of a Pro V1 and Pro V1x, Bridgestone’s e series is a great place to start their shopping, and the e6 is quite possibly the best ball of the bunch.
Read our full Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls Review
Srixon Q-Star Tour
Best Low Compression Golf Ball for High Handicappers
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PROS
- Tour-level urethane cover produces excellent spin and greenside control
- Designed to provide exceptional distance on iron shots from the fairway
- Low compression core increases the distance from the tee box in golfers with slower swing speeds
CONS
- Not an ideal ball for high swing speed or advanced golfers
The Srixon Q-Star Tour is a high performer, ideal for mid to high handicappers that want a ball with an advanced core that helps on the green and advances their yardage from the tee and fairway.
The Srixon Q-Star Tour provides excellent value for the mid handicapper looking to gradually improve their game without emptying their wallet.
With the enhanced core and exceptional performance on the green, this mid-level ball is worth considering for players looking for a great deal.
Titleist Pro V1x Golf Balls
Best Ball for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Low driver spin gives more distance with greater accuracy for shorter second shots
- Softer feel from the fairway and around greens with excellent wedge spin
- Fantastic control with enhanced ball speed for improved short game
CONS
- Better for low handicappers who like to work the ball
Slightly different from its brother, the Pro V1, the Pro V1x is the preferred ball by professional golfers because it provides a softer feel and more workability.
For golfers looking to play their best, balls like the Pro V1x will enhance ball flight and improve their short game.
Srixon Z Star XV
Best Golf Ball for Mid Handicappers Who Need More Spin
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PROS
- Redesigned core gives players more yardage from tee and fairway
- Advanced greenside spin when using wedges for better stopping power on green
- Innovative skin coating on urethane cover increases friction for enhanced spin
CONS
- Great for mid and high handicappers. Low handicappers will want more sophistication from their golf ball
The Srixon Z Star XV is a premium multi-piece ball that offers excellent affordability.
An all-around excellent golf ball, The Srixon Z-Star XV utilizes its advanced 338-speed dimple design to provide more yardage with better accuracy off the tee.
An excellent option for mid and high handicappers that want the performance of a premium ball without the price, the Srixon Z-Star XV delivers the goods with each shot.
Titleist AVX Golf Balls
Best Multi-Piece Golf Ball for Mid and Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Built for distance and feel with an emphasis on improving ball speed off the face
- Newly designed core gives golfer more distance without sacrificing the feel
- Unique dimple design is aerodynamic for more launch angle and shot height
CONS
- Meant to be a step below the Pro V1 tier, better for mid handicappers and not scratch golfers
The Titleist AVX aren’t much cheaper than the Pro V1 series, so it is reasonable for any golfer to expect performance that rivals the best balls money can buy.
While there are subtle differences between the two models, the AVX does well at keeping its reputation as one best balls that may sacrifice a few features but provides the golfer with outstanding distance and ball flight.
While the Titleist AVX might not get the attention of its Pro V1 counterpart, this is a fabulous option that is more affordable but delivers outstanding performance for the advanced golfer.
Read our full Titleist AVX Golf Ball Review
Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Balls
Best Soft Golf Ball for Low Handicappers Wanting More Spin
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PROS
- Tour-level distance with high performance from spin and feel departments
- Lower spin with driver for less slices and hooks and more accuracy
- High speed off the club face
CONS
- Expensive golf ball that may only attract the advanced player
Callaway touts the Chrome Soft X as a modern tour ball and we can’t say we disagree with them.
This multi-piece ball is worth its weight in gold with a host of features tailored for the low handicapper who knows their way around the golf course.
If you are in the market for golf balls that excel at workability, then the Chrome Soft X is worthy of your consideration as its Chrome Soft brother and the dynamic Pro V1 duo from Titleist.
Crafted for the professional but accessible enough for the amateur, the Callaway Chrome Soft X is one extraordinary ball.
Bridgestone e12 Soft Golf Balls
Advanced Soft Golf Ball with Soft Feel
PROS
- Mid-level ball that produces fabulous spin and touch
- Built for slow swing speed to help with forgiveness and response
- Three-piece ball that offers less drag and improved aerodynamics
CONS
- Softer ball that may inhibit distance for slower swings but helps with control and spin
Bridgestone is known for crafting some of the best balls that amateurs have ever seen and their three-piece e12 Soft is another fine addition to the e-series family.
Designed for players who need help with ball speed, the e12 Soft is better than your average two-piece soft ball by providing higher velocity off the club face with a core that is energetic to drive yardage from anywhere on the course.
Well worth a look from moderate golfers looking for an affordable multi-piece ball, the e12 Soft is another fun and high-performing ball from Bridgestone.
Callaway Superhot Golf Balls
Best for Increasing Distance for Mid Handicappers
PROS
- Variety of color options gives players plenty of choices for a fun day on the links
- Flexes a lot of muscle off the tee with exceptionally long distance
- Low drag through dimple design gives tall ball height with soft landing
CONS
- Not sophisticated, great for hitting long and ideal for mid to high handicappers
The Callaway Superhot is an energetic ball built for distance and launch angle from the tee and fairway.
The three-piece ball is pure muscle and while that might turn away golfers who want more delicacy around the green with their ball of choice, the Superhot is loud, proud and ready to set a few personal bests in the yardage department.
A blast to play, the Callaway Superhot is the best golf ball for the mid-level player worried less about their handicap while searching for more entertainment from their time on the course.
Volvik S4 Golf Balls
Best Golf Ball for High Speed Swing Golfers
PROS
- Enjoyable to play with several color options
- Moderately good accuracy with long irons and wedges
- Four-piece ball with fantastic spin rates for the mid-range price point
CONS
- Better served for players with high-speed swings and long driving yardage
The Volvik S4 has taken its place as a niche golf ball that works well for hard swingers who like to let it rip off the tee box but leaves beginning golfers out in the cold with the high compression rate.
It is hard to find a multi-piece ball that strives to be more for the golfer at this price point, but the Volvik S4’s attempt at finding a niche of players isn’t for nothing.
With a soft feel around the greens and exciting distance from the driver, this ball is worth searching for if you fit its qualifications.
Questions & Answers
Do layers and dimples make a difference?
Yes, layers and dimples make a huge difference in the flight and spin of a golf ball.
Dimples reduce the drag by allowing the air around the outer layer to move easily around the ball while in flight.
A ball with an advanced dimple design from the tee box will minimize drag, creating more distance and less distance-killing sidespin.
Multi-piece golf balls are also known as multi-layer balls. They have multiple internal layers that increase spin, provide more energy at impact, and add softness to the ball when it lands.
Around the green, a multi-layer golf ball will offer more touch and spin. With a softer cover and high spin core, a higher-end golf ball, like the Titleist Pro V1x, will stop quickly on the green with a higher spin rate than a two-piece ball.
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Do pro golfers use the same golf balls that are sold on shelves?
Yes, some pro golfers use the same ball sold to the general public. However, other pro golfers use prototype golf balls that have been customized to their needs and specifications.
Pro golfers are picky about what type of ball they play because they have a strategy for playing a course, and they need one that allows them to execute the game plan.
For example, Tiger Woods might want a golf ball that launches higher than the current model available to amateur golfers.
His sponsor, Bridgestone, might craft a ball within the legal USGA rules to play but wouldn’t make business sense to mass produce, so it is a prototype for Woods only.
Is there such a thing as biodegradable golf balls?
Yes, there is. For golfers who are conscious of their environmental impact, you might want to consider Biodegradable Golf Balls. Yes, you read that right! Eco-friendly golf balls that dissolve in water.