A type of exercise apparatus used to increase stability and balance is the balance board. You have the chance to hone your skills while simultaneously working out your entire body and core muscles with an indoor surfboard or paddle balance board. In this article, we rank the top 11 balance boards so you can pick the one you like best.
What To Consider Before Buying A Balancing Board
Risk
Because these devices are designed to challenge your balance, injury is a possibility if you’re not careful. Use them only on a flat, smooth surface. (When using one on the carpet, movement actually slows down, which is advantageous for beginners or when using boards with a wide range of motion.)
Wear socks or shoes that can maintain their grip on the device if the board’s surface is slippery rather than going barefoot. As you get used to that rocking sensation underfoot, using the board close to a wall or desk that you can use for balance can also be a safer option.
Weight Limit
To choose the best balance board for your weight before making an investment, be sure to note how much load the board can support.
Purpose
A balance board will produce results whether your goal is to feel more secure in your daily activities, to recover from an injury, or intensify your current workout by using more muscles during simple exercises.
Some balance board models are even designed specifically for snowboarders, wakeboarders, skaters, and surfers who want to improve their technique and practice proper fall techniques off-season.
Overall, they’re a very efficient and effective way to build stability, engage the muscles in your core, and strengthen those muscles, but be sure to read the description to make sure it’s appropriate for your particular fitness objectives.
The Best Balancing Boards
Best Overall: Urbnfit Wooden Balance Board Trainer
Our top pick is the URBNFit Wooden Balance Board Trainer because it is a flexible balance board that can be used for a variety of exercises.
It is made from a durable combination of pine and poplar wood, and the top surface is lined with textured emery tape for excellent grip and stability. The board works well for standing, sitting, and other traditional balance board exercises thanks to its textured surface.
Pros
- Classic balance board design
- Durable wood blend
- Includes a workout guide
Cons
- Tape wears down with frequent use
Best Budget: Yes4All Wobble Balance Board
You can take on difficult workouts with the Yes4All Wooden Balance Board, a round balance board, without breaking the bank. We appreciate that this affordable board is made of sturdy wood and has a top surface covered in textured pads that offer lots of traction.
The Yes4All Wooden Balance Board has a fixed base, in contrast to other balance boards that rest on top of a roller that moves side to side.
Pros
- 360-degree range of motion
- Lightweight, portable design
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Can be slippery on some surfaces
Best For Beginners: StrongTek Professional Wooden Balance Board
Are you looking for a balance board that is simple to use? A good choice, in our opinion, is the StrongTek Professional Balance Board. This balance board has a smaller range of motion than most, making it a fantastic choice for beginners.
The board’s back-and-forth motion gives you more control over your workouts than it would if it were rolling side to side.
Pros
- Easy-grip surface
- Durable, stable base
- Rounded edge design
Cons
- Very limited range of motion
Best Advanced: EveryMile Wobble Balance Board
You can level up many of your favorite exercises with the EveryMile Wobble Balance Board, which is a multipurpose wobble board. Because it has a fixed base and is round, this wobble board is easy to rock in any direction. You will have a full 15 degrees of tilt to work with regardless of the direction you select.
The balance board’s surface is textured to provide you with lots of grips and is made of sturdy plastic.
Pros
- Non-slip abrasion-resistant platform
- Side handles for portability and pushups
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Smaller than most boards
Best Consistent And Direct: Wooden Balance Board
With the anti-skid surface on this solid-wood balance board, you can keep it steady even while working up a sweat and engaging in that intense training session.
This board includes a bonus workout manual to help you master strong, steady footing. It’s ideal for controlled arm exercises, strengthening your lower back muscles, and balance challenges.
Pros
- Top rated
- Durable
- For kids and adults
- Includes a workout guide
Cons
- A bit pricey
Best For Standing Desks: Anti-Fatigue Balance Board
By using this balance board at your standing desk, you can up your WFH game. You won’t fall over because the angle at which it tilts is only 8.5 degrees. While working, you can still work on your balance and posture.
Additionally, it has pressure points to prevent your feet from growing tired as you stand (and you can even use it barefoot).
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Massage points to relieve foot tension
- Nonslip and anti-scratch
Cons
- A bit pricey
Best Sustainable: Professional Wooden Balance Board
This wooden rocker board will test your balance and build muscle whether you’re working out or not.
It will outlast boards made of birch or pine because it is constructed from sustainable, plantation-grown timbers. 350 pounds is the maximum weight limit. The slip-resistant surface will keep you from slipping during Zoom calls, but it’s still compact enough to fit under a desk.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Slip-resistant surface
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- The anti-slip top is too rough to be used on bare skin, such as arms while planking
- It May cause scratches or marks on some surfaces
Best Sport Trainer: 101 Balance Board Trainer
For trickers at any skill level, this balance board training system is a great choice. With or without shoes, you can balance on the board’s included roller.
Additionally, the set comes with an exercise manual to ensure that your motions are precise. You’ll have perfect body control after practicing tricks with this board. You’ll perfect conditioning for your ollies, kickflips, and other tricks because this device is designed to resemble a skateboard.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easily adjustable to be easy, intermediate, or advanced
- Includes digital workout library
- Nonslip surface is comfortable on bare skin
Cons
- Over $100
Best For Studio Workouts: Balance Trainer
You can stand on it in a manner similar to that of a balance board if you flip it over so that the flat, hard surface is on top. You can flip it back over so that the rubbery side is facing up, then hop on and perform your preferred yoga poses while on it.
To increase resistance and strengthen your muscles, you could even get on the ground and perform some pushups.
Pros
- Top rated
- Includes a workout guide
- Nonslip and non-marking
Cons
- Over $100
Best For Kids: Kinderfeets Kinderboard
A special balance board created with kids in mind is the Kinderfeet Kinderboard. The board is made of sturdy beechwood and coated in a water-based lacquer. With this finish, the board can be used both inside and outside, so you can be sure it’s a sturdy and practical choice.
Pros
- Unique design
- Great for beginners and kids
- Can be used for multiple purposes
Cons
- Not a classic balance board
Best For Surfing: Revolution Swell 2.0
A balance board designed specifically with surfers in mind is the Revolution Swell 2.0. Larger than most, this balance board. Additionally, it has an extra-long rocker that enables front-to-back rocking in addition to the more traditional side-to-side rocking. Your workouts will remain dynamic and interesting thanks to your versatility in taking on a greater variety of exercises.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Longer roller and expanded board size
- Can use front-to-back or side-to-side
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Expensive
