Finding the best stress ball is not easy, considering the abundance of options available on the market. We’ve reviewed dozens of popular stress balls and have complied the list of the best-rated ones below.
If you often find yourself stressed out and feeling the need to fidget, stress balls might be the perfect solution for you. Fidgeting is one of the coping mechanisms our bodies deal with stress and nerves and if you don’t have a special fidget toy around, you typically pick up whatever is next to you.
Yet, stress balls were created exactly for this purpose – to help people manage their fidgeting needs and release pent-up emotions in a healthy way.
In this article, we are looking at the 10 best-rated stress balls, along with reviews about them. Before we dive into the options, let’s take a look at some useful information about stress balls and their functions.
What Are Stress Balls?
Stress balls are special therapeutic balls that can be made out of various materials – foam, rubber, or metal. They are created to help people manage stress via the act of fidgeting with or squeezing the ball.
Some people use stress balls to help with their ADHD, anxiety and panic attacks.
Related: Do You Have High Functioning ADHD?
Do Stress Balls For Anxiety Really Work?
There is no scientific evidence that stress balls lead to stress or anxiety reduction. However, according to some sources, stress balls can be beneficial for minimizing stress by means of managing the physical aspect of stress.
Whenever we are feeling stressed or under pressure, our bodies produce a lot of stress-related hormones, which can be “felt” in our bodies and can build up if not released. Squeezing a stress ball can provide that experience.
How does this work exactly?
The act of squeezing or rolling a stress ball can help build up some muscle tension if repeated multiple times. Once the act of squeezing is performed, muscles automatically relax and release, following the “tension” phase, which leads to a so-called reduction in tension.
Stress balls are also quite popular due to the fact that they are pretty discreet and socially acceptable. Many people can use them during their workday and not feel self-conscious.
What Is The Best Filling For a Stress Ball?
While stress balls can be made without filling (usually foam ones), there are stress balls that have a filling. The filling can be either rice, lentils or birdseed. This type of filling created a grainier texture, almost like a bean bag.
For a softer feeling, look for a stress ball that is filled with memory foam, polyester fiberfill or microbeads.
Are Stress Balls Bad For Your Hands?
Before buying a stress ball, it’s important to consider whether the repetitive motion of squeezing or rolling the ball can be harmful to your hands.
According to Laurie Bickerton, FCAMPT Physiotherapist:
“Using one muscle more than the others puts asymmetrical pressure on the surfaces of the small joint that connects the thumb to the wrist (the 1st carpometacarpal joint).”
This can potentially wear down the joint and cause inflammation. Many people with thumb joint pain resort to buying a stress ball since they think this might help the problem. However, this can cause the muscle in the palm to be overused and swollen even more.
The best solution for this type of problem is gentle stretches of the muscles, as well as strengthening exercises.
Best Stress Balls For Anger Management
Hand Therapy Relief for Anxiety, Fidget, Tension, Exercise Strengthener – 4.6 out of 5 stars
This set of stress balls is perfect for someone that is looking to blow off some steam. Coming in two different blue colors (Crystal Blue, Ocean Blue), these stress balls are created to help with stress and tension release, as well as with rehab injuries. Inspiring quotes (“Mindset Determines Happiness” & “Enjoy Every Moment”) displayed on these stress balls are a good reminder to stay present and mindful.
Material: TPR gel core with elastic tear-resistant fabric
Size: 2.36 Inches
Warranty: Lifetime
Mydio Set of 24 Stress Balls Stress Reliever Party Favor Soft PU Ball – 4.6 out of 5 stars
This package of stress balls includes 24 colorful softballs. Coming at a reasonable price of $16.79 (at the time of publishing this article), this set is a perfect gift for someone that loves to fidget.
Each ball comes with a smiley face, specifically created to lift up the mood. It is also suitable for kids 3 years old and older.
Material: Faux Leather
Size: 2.48 inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Stress Balls for Kids and Adults – Ideal Bulk Pack of 24 2″ Stress Smile Balls – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Yet another set of 24 soft smiley stress balls is created to relieve pent-up negative emotions and tension in your muscles. The manufacturer also claims that these neon yellow stress balls can help kids with autism and ADHD.
Material: Foam
Size: 2.42 inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Anti Stress Sensory Ball Squeeze Toys (Blue-Purple-Yellow) – 4.2 out of 5 stars
Suitable for ages 8+, these 3 stress balls are changing colors when squeezed – purple becomes green, yellow becomes orange, and blue becomes pink. Aesthetically pleasing and perfect for keeping your hands occupied when the need to fidget arises, these stress balls are multipurpose.
The manufacturer claims that these stress balls are created to provide instant relief from anger and irritability. These color-changing stress balls are durable and break-resistant, as well as BPA and latex-free.
Material: Rubber & gel
Size: 2.36 inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Best Stress Balls For Arthritis
Secure Stress Balls on a String – for Stress Relief, Hand Exercise, Strengthening, Rehabilitation – 4.5 out of 5 stars
These stress balls are ideal for adults and kids who need to exercise their hands and wrists, as they help build up strength and muscle memory. In addition to this, these secure stress balls are aimed at improving grip strength with regular exercise.
These stress balls are suitable for anyone with the following conditions:
- Weakness after stroke
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Following injuries/trauma
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers
Size: 2.5 Inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
N1Fit Hand Grip Strength Trainer, Stress Ball for Adults and Kids – 4.3 out of 5 stars
This set of stress balls comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) that also vary in their resistance levels. The small (2”x1.3”) egg-shaped stress ball is the softest and has a 20 lb resistance, the medium (2.5″ x 1.75″) stress ball has a resistance of 30 lb, and the large one (3.0″ x 2.2″) has a resistance of 40 lb.
These stress balls are ideal for someone looking to work up their wrist and hand strength as well as alleviate any joint pain. The manufacturer also claims that these balls work great as a distraction mechanism for someone who looks to quit smoking.
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers
Size: Small: 2”x1.3” Medium: 2.5″ x 1.75″ Large: 3.0″ x 2.2″.
Warranty: Lifetime
3PCS Hand Therapy Stress Balls, 3 Levels Stress Balls & Grip Strengthening, Therapeutic Hand Mobility & Restoration – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Mandrill’s set of 3 stress balls is suitable for adults and kids who are looking to reduce mental and physical tension. The ergonomic design of these balls is aiding with improving strength and hand mobility as well as increases the blood flow to muscles. According to the manufacturer, this set is perfect for someone with arthritis, carpal tunnel or for post-surgery recovery.
Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers & non-stick fabric
Size: Small: 2.5 Inches
Warranty: Lifetime
Best Stress Balls For ADHD
Colorful Squeeze Stretch Balls with Water Beads – 4.2 out of 5 stars
These durable anti-stress balls are created to help you alleviate anxiety, stress and tension, while at the same time improving your focus and exercising your muscles.
According to the manufacturer, these balls filled with water beads are perfect for children and adults with ADHD and autism. Thanks to their colorful design, they are helping to work on attention and focus, while relaxing the mind simultaneously.
Material: Water beads
Size: 2.56 Inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Stress Balls for Kids and Adults – Outer Space Starlight Galaxy Design in Breathtaking Colors – 4.3 out of 5 stars
Coming with an awesome intergalactic design, these stress balls are made out of the highest quality non-toxic materials. These stress balls are suitable for adults and kids and are said to provide a therapeutic and calming experience when squeezed. The manufacturer claims that these balls are recommended for use for kids with ADHD and autism.
Material: Foam
Size: 2.5 Inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Nee-Doh Schylling Color Change Groovy Glob – 4.3 out of 5 stars
These color-changing stress balls come in three different colors, yellow (changes to orange), pink (changes to blue), and blue (changes to pink). The manufacturer claims that these balls are strong and durable and are appropriate to use for those with ADD, OCD, Autism, anxiety and ADHD.
Easy to clean, these stress balls are also hypoallergenic and don’t contain any latex or BPA.
Material: Not mentioned by the manufacturer.
Size: 2.5 Inches
Warranty: Please contact the seller directly for warranty information for this product.
Is there a stress ball that doesn’t break?
While there are many stress ball manufacturers that claim that their balls don’t break, it all depends on how much power you put into squeezing your stress ball. If you are looking for something more durable, we’d recommend going for a stress ball that does not have a filling, but rather comes in one solid piece, just like this one.