When it comes to the golf ball, there are a variety of models that do a variety of things. Whether you are a new player to the game who is looking for models that will just go forward, an improver who is wanting one of the best mid price golf balls for their bag, or perhaps a single figure handicapper who wants one of the best golf balls to add to their arsenal, there are different golf balls for everybody.
There is plenty of choice when it comes to golf balls... maybe too much choice. So much so, it can be tricky to nail down which golf ball we think is right for our games. We want to have a bit of everything from our selection - performance, durability, value for money and more.
Softness is so important that a lot of manufacturers directly reference it when naming their golf balls - most of which we have included in this list. Premium golf balls provide nice levels of softness, but not all players will want to pay the premium prices for such products. That's likely why you're here - to find the best soft feeling ball on the market for the right price.
So, if you like a soft feel on chips and putts, or could do with a few extra yards, courtesy of a low-compression core, we have tested lots of different 'soft-feel' models and collated our top picks below. Also, have a read of our other golf ball guides as well to truly inform your next purchase, such as the best value golf balls or the best distance golf balls.
The Quick List
The Tour Soft is our top pick - a strong-performing golf ball given the price point that will suit players with a moderate swing speed to help gain a few extra yards off the tee.
One of the best value golf balls on the market, the SuperSoft from Callaway is ideal for senior players who don't want to break the bank paying for premium golf balls and may want to spice up the color of their ball.
With a low compression, nice all-round feel and a reasonably responsive cover, the Soft Feel is an ideal ball for those who like a quality softer ball at a competitive price.
Considering the price point, the Duo Soft golf ball from Wilson performs well in most areas, most notably in the distance and feel departments.
The SpeedSoft present a very unique printed pattern on the golf ball which may not be to everyone's liking, but you can't argue with the performance on offer.
A common problem with 'soft' golf balls is a lack of durability. Having a durable golf ball will mean you're getting the full value for money you seek before purchase and the Hex Soft delivers that.
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
Top pick
Starting with our top pick, we have gone for the Tour Soft ball from Titleist. As the name claims, these are incredibly soft golf balls but still felt powerful off the tee and, although they won't rank as one of the best distance golf balls on the market, they blend spin and distance well.
The reformed Fusablend cover is one of a number of notable changes to the 2024 iteration of the Tour Soft, designed to help deliver more consistent spin from greenside pitch and chip shots. A new thicker T-link alignment tool on the side of each ball can also help players lining up their putts on the green if they so wish.
We were impressed by the levels of control on offer during our testing, control we noticed most when we had wedge in hand. Good durability is another big plus, which can sometimes be lacking in less-premium golf balls. The Tour Soft is therefore a really solid options for golfers who don't want to break the bank on golf balls.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Best color choice
The Supersoft is aimed at players with average swing speeds who want a soft feel but also those players who like to mix it up a bit in terms of their golf course style. Callaway have six different color options available from white all the way to pink, allowing users to really push the boat out and stand out from the crowd.
In testing, the distance and durability stood out to us, notably thanks to the new Paraloid Impact Modifier hybrid cover. Callaway's unique HEX Aerodynamics cover plays a big part in this, reducing drag and increasing lift to help players achieve better launch angles off the tee which results in extra distance.
The Soft Compression Core inside the ball makes for a more efficient energy transfer at impact resulting in higher ball speed and launch whilst keeping spin levels on the lower side of things. This, again, will increase distance whilst also protection levels of control players will feel around the greens. Six colorways are available with the SuperSoft, perfect for players who want a bit of flair when it comes to the ball they use.
- Read our full Callaway Supersoft Ball Review
Best overall feel
In terms of all round feel, we think the Srixon Soft Feel is the leader. We also think this is one of the best Srixon golf balls money can buy, especially when you consider the price point and the performance on offer. Thanks to the FastLayer core, the ball has a soft center but gets firmer as you move towards the cover which allows the ball to snap back into shape quicker than ever before.
The Soft Feel is perfect for those with slower swing speeds of 90mph or less due to the soft core, enabling golfers to get more consistent spin levels and distance numbers than they would get with a firmer option.
The side stamp isn't as big as the 'T' design on the side of the Titleist Tour Soft but is still a great addition to help line up your putts on the golf course. 338 dimples will work overtime to deliver consistent roll on the greens and trustworthy flight off the tee with reduced drag to help get airborne as quickly as possible.In testing the feel was exceptional, especially when you combine that with the lower price this ball comes at.
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review
Best for slow swing speeds
The Wilson Duo Soft golf ball is a popular option for players in this category and arguably one of the best value options in this guide.
This is a ball that will particular suit players who have relatively lower swing speeds thanks to the low compression this ball produces. This will help players who don't swing out of their shoes because the faster you swing, the more you compress the ball. Therefore, faster players will play a firmer golf ball like the Titleist Pro V1x or a TaylorMade TP5. A slower swing would struggle to get the necessary compression on a firmer golf ball, so the Duo Soft compensates for that by compressing much easier, thereby increasing distance for those who need help.
The look has also been refined since the previous iteration. The color has been removed from the face of the ball, giving off a slick but premium aesthetic, more fitting with the best Wilson golf balls. Considering its price tag, this is definitely one of the best value golf balls going.
- Read our full Wilson 2025 Duo Soft Golf Ball Review
Most unique
We're fans of brands trying something new with golf balls, especially in terms of looks. If you're more of a traditionalist or simply don't like the look then that's fine, don't use it, but we think producing unique, artsy designs will only help grow the game and make the sport more appealing to some who otherwise wouldn't have been drawn towards the game.
This ball is also perfect for the player who wants to stand out from the crowd a bit, with four different vibrant colorways on offer. Splashes of colorful paint are dashed across the golf ball for a unique look - one we really liked. It doesn't look tacky or cheesy but rather looks inviting to play with. They also help you find your golf ball is lush rough for the wayward drives. The range is also available in classic white or yellow colors for those who aren't as keen of the paint splashes.
Labelled as a mid-launching golf ball, in our testing this ball produced more spin and climbed a little higher than we were expecting, so golfers who struggle for height will benefit, and golfers who already produce height will see their ball flight climb even further. We found that the higher launch and spin actually allowed us to be more aggressive on the course and attack pins we may not otherwise have gone at.
- Read our full TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink 2024 Golf Ball Review
Best durability
When we opt for cheaper golf balls, one of the biggest factors we look for is durability. If your ball is being beaten up and needs replaced after nine holes, it sort of defeats the purpose of opting for the more budget friendly golf ball considering you likely won't use the replaced ball again. The Hex Soft passed ur durability test during testing with flying colors and proved it is indeed an excellent value for money option.
Callaway credit their low compression core for such feel which they calim gives the ball better sped through the air, resulting in distance gains, whilst the trionomer cover is the main factor behind the increased feel over short game shots. We were keen to test this during our review process and were blown away by the results - we enjoyed both the control and durability on offer.
Along with long game performance, it performs admirably around the green where, off the putter face, it feels soft and easy to control. We think that, if you are looking for a ball that provides distance and a soft feel at an excellent price, then the Hex Soft should be on your list.
- Read our full Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
The quality of Golf Monthly's reviews and buyers guides is built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. We pride ourselves with our reviews because we've done them for a very long time. Our reviews are done for golfers, by golfers, meaning we know what to look for when reviewing different pieces of golf gear. The goal of our reviews is to help our loyal readers find the best possible equipment to suit their golf games and help get those handicaps down.
Our specific golf ball testing is built upon the procedure of testing indoors so we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside and on the golf course. That way we can get a more complete picture and get greater feedback to pass on to you.
How to choose new golf balls
Soft or firm? - Softer feel golf balls tend to give players more control around the green, whilst harder-shelled golf balls are best for those looking extra distance off the tee or those who enjoy playing lots of rounds of golf in colder winter conditions. Alternatively, premium golf balls look to tick both of these boxes, but you'll pay a lot more for these options. If you're unwilling to do this, choose between those two broad options what you think is best for your game.
Cover material - Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.
Long game or short game? - Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?
Price - No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend.
For more buying advice on golf balls, check out our guides on the best golf balls for slow swing speeds, best balls for beginners, or best balls for seniors.
FAQs
What is a soft golf ball compression rating?
The golf ball compression rating describes how hard or soft the ball is. In general, brands rate golf ball compression between 30 and 120. The softest is 30, whilst the hardest is 120.
What is a soft ball good for?
A softer golf ball is good for getting more feel off the clubface especially when it comes to hitting shots around the green, and when on it as well. In the past using a soft ball would've meant compromising on distance but this is not really the case anymore because of technology.
Balls with low-compression soft cores will feel softer off the face on full shots, with the added rebound properties of those soft cores also potentially helping those with low to average swing speeds hit it a little bit further compared to firmer-compression balls.
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