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know the game
Bocce Ball, in one breath
Bocce is the relaxed, anyone-can-play classic that has been rolling around Italian backyards for centuries. Toss the little target ball, roll your big balls close to it, and you are basically playing.
The shortlist
Our top bocce ball picks at a glance
92 Best Overall
Pros - Durable resin balls in clearly distinct colors
- Includes pallino and a padded carrying case
- 100mm size hits the sweet spot for mixed-age play
Watch for - At 100mm the balls are a step under true 107mm tournament size and weight
- The case padding is fine for hauling but not built for years of rough handling
Who it's for Best for the mixed-age backyard crew that wants one solid set adults and kids can both roll comfortably.
83 Best Budget
Pros - Easy on the wallet with a complete eight-ball set
- Comes with a carrying case to keep balls together
- A simple, no-frills way to start playing
Watch for - Lighter composite balls wander on rough or sloped lawns instead of tracking true
- Colors and finish are basic and can scuff with regular outdoor use
- Not the set you want once your group starts arguing over close measurements
Who it's for Best for occasional family afternoons where getting everyone outside matters more than a precise roll.
MVP Pick 95 Best for Tournaments
Pros - Full 107mm tournament-size balls with real heft
- Premium resin holds its shape and color outdoors
- True roll on uneven ground for serious league play
Watch for - Full 107mm balls are heavy, so a long session can wear out smaller or older players
- Priced above casual family sets you may not need for driveway games
Who it's for Best for adult players and league nights who want true regulation heft and a ball that rolls straight on a chewed-up lawn.
86 Best for Families
Pros - Lighter balls that kids can actually roll
- Bright, easy-to-tell-apart colors
- Includes case for grab-and-go backyard play
Watch for - The lighter balls that suit kids feel underweight to adults wanting a real roll
- Built more for casual fun than the consistent bias serious players chase
Who it's for Best for families with younger kids who need balls small hands can actually toss and roll.
91 Best Premium
Pros - Heirloom-quality build trusted by clubs
- Heavy, precise balls with consistent bias
- Comes in a rugged wooden or molded carrier
Watch for - You pay a premium for the club-grade name and finish
- The heavy balls and rugged carrier are more set than a casual backyard player needs to haul around
Who it's for Best for the dedicated bocce player or club who wants an heirloom set with consistent bias and is fine paying for it.
From the commissioner
How to choose a bocce ball set
- Ball size sets the tone. Tournament bocce uses 107mm balls that feel substantial in the hand; 100mm and 90mm sets are lighter and friendlier for families and kids.
- Resin and poly-composite balls hold up far better outdoors than hollow or cheaper plastic, and they keep their color through seasons of sun.
- A good set has clearly distinct colors and patterns for two teams of four balls, plus a pallino (the small target ball) that's easy to spot on grass.
- A sturdy carry case earns its keep. Eight full-size balls are heavy, and a case with a handle saves your back hauling them to the park.
- Match weight to your players. Heavier regulation balls roll truer on rough lawns; lighter sets are easier for casual and younger players to control.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how bocce ball stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Bocce Ball buying FAQ
What size bocce balls should I get?
Tournament play uses 107mm balls, which feel heavy and roll true on rough lawns. 100mm is a great all-around size for adults and mixed groups, while 90mm sets are lighter and better suited to kids and casual backyard games.
What are bocce balls made of?
The best outdoor sets use resin or poly-composite balls that resist cracking, hold their color in the sun, and roll consistently. Cheaper hollow or thin plastic balls are fine for occasional play but won't last or roll as true.
How many balls come in a bocce set?
A standard set has eight balls (four per team in two distinct colors) plus one small pallino, the target ball you toss out first. Make sure the two color groups are easy to tell apart at a distance.
Is a budget bocce set worth it?
For occasional family fun, yes, a budget set plays just fine and gets everyone outside. If you play regularly or want true rolls on uneven grass, stepping up to heavier regulation resin balls makes a noticeable difference.
What's the difference between bocce and lawn bowling?
Bocce balls are spherical and roll straight, played on a shorter court, while lawn bowls are weighted with a bias that makes them curve. Bocce is generally more casual and beginner-friendly out of the box.
