The 8 Best Dryer Balls of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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From wool to plastic options, these top picks will keep your laundry soft, dry, and wrinkle free.

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Real Simple / Dera Burreson

When it comes to laundry, using simple and efficient tricks and products can make the chore a little less bothersome. Enter dryer balls—most are soft, fluffy, and made of wool, while others are plastic and look like they can double as pet toys. All have a purpose in softening and drying laundry at a faster rate and are a much more eco-friendly option over single-use dryer sheets.

To find the best dryer balls, we tested 18 of the most popular options on their performance, durability, noise level, and value. We also spoke to two experts—Adam Morris, engineer and founder of Appliances Made Simple, and Taylor Barefoot, cleaning expert, editor in chief, and founder of Snug Sensations—for tips on how to maximize the usage of dryer balls and what to look for when buying them.

These wool dryer balls significantly reduce drying time.

They don’t make much difference in terms of texture.

Wool is a highly sought-after and often expensive material, which is why most dryer balls tend to be on the pricier side. Handy Laundry Dryer Balls, however, are budget-friendly without compromising efficiency or quality. Made with 100% New Zealand wool, they stand out as our top pick.

We observed minimal fraying and pilling after drying, and the dryer balls looked the same as they had before going into the dryer. After drying towels for 30 minutes with the dryer balls, we observed a 25% decrease in moisture level. Thinner towels felt slightly damp, and thicker ones felt relatively wet after this process, with the middle sections being a bit wetter than the edges.

When placed in the dryer with the towels, we found the dryer balls to be unexpectedly quiet. While we could hear a bit of noise, we would compare it to the sound of them in heavy bedding. After six months of use, they're working as well as they were on day one—we've noticed a significant decrease in overall drying time and an increase in the softness of our linens. And, for those who prefer scented dryer balls, these can absorb a few drops of your favorite essential oil to release a natural, fresh scent in your dryer.

Material: New Zealand wool | Amount: 6 in pack | Diameter: 3.18 inches

Crafted entirely from wool, these dryer balls are quiet and gentle on clothing.

They don’t significantly reduce dry time for normal and large loads.

Dryer balls reign over dryer sheets due to their sustainability; they can be reused again and again, with some manufacturers guaranteeing over 1,000 loads. After running these Everspring dryer balls through the dryer, they looked as clean as they had when we put them in, with no lint in sight. They also maintained their 10-inch circumference, a testament to their durability. Given their impressive performance after use, we anticipate these dryer balls will last through many loads.

After drying wet towels for 30 minutes with these dryer balls, we observed a significant 43% decrease in moisture—one of the most substantial reductions we discovered in our testing. Although the towels were not completely dry after 30 minutes in the dryer (as expected), the moisture felt evenly distributed, with no spots wetter or drier than others. Thanks to their entirely wool composition, the dryer balls operated quietly, allowing us to hold a conversation nearby easily as they ran. Additionally, we found the soft material to be gentler on our linens compared to the plastic dryer balls we tried. However, these balls fell short in terms of static reduction, as we observed no decrease compared to our standard drying regimen.

After using the dryer balls for one month, we didn’t notice any change in the texture of our linens, though we did find our clothes to feel marginally softer. We found them to be a bit smaller and fuzzier by the six-month mark, though this is to be expected of wool. Drying time remained relatively unchanged for our normal and large loads, decreasing slightly for our smaller ones. Overall, we believe these balls are ideal for small loads of essentials, and with such a low price tag, we consider them a steal given their longevity.

Material: New Zealand wool | Amount: 3 in pack | Diameter: 3.18 inches

They effectively reduce wrinkles and static in clothing.

These are some of the more expensive dryer balls we tested.

When you’re eager to put on your freshly cleaned clothing, the last thing you want to deal with is pesky wrinkles. Luckily, these dryer balls alleviated that issue, vastly improving our laundry routine. They noticeably eliminated wrinkles in our clothing, saving us the time we would typically spend on ironing and steaming.

After washing, the towels measured in at a 28% moisture level, and after 30 minutes in the dryer with the dryer balls, they measured 29%. We were surprised by this 3.29% increase in moisture, so we recommend using the dryer balls for longer than 30 minutes for the best results. While our linens didn’t dry completely, however, they did get noticeably softer. We also observed a significant change in terms of static, as our clothes hardly clung together after drying.

We noticed no difference in their appearance after use, and the wool was almost completely undisturbed. They’re a bit loud in the dryer, though, so we wouldn’t recommend using them overnight or while napping if your laundry room is nearby. After six months of use, the dryer balls are still going strong. While they eventually began pilling and collecting some lint, they remained intact with no signs of wear. Equipped with just three balls and aromatic essential oil, this pack was one of the pricier ones we tested. Still, we found the scent of the oil pleasant yet not too strong, so we think it may be worth the splurge.

Material: New Zealand wool | Amount: 3 in pack | Diameter: 3.02 inches

The fresh fragrance of the essential oils transfers nicely to linens without being too strong.

There may be a few loose threads after drying.

Whether we like it or not, we don’t always have time to wait for the drying cycle to complete. Luckily, dryer balls can speed up the process. After months of consistent use, we were amazed by how much these hypoallergenic dryer balls reduced our drying time.

With a starting circumference of 8.5 inches, these were among the smaller dryer balls we tested. Despite their size, they still delivered an impressive performance. After using the dryer balls for 30 minutes, we observed a 33% moisture decrease, leaving our towels only slightly damp. The scent of the essential oils transferred nicely to the towels, resulting in a fresh aroma that we found pleasant without being overpowering. While we noticed a few loose threads after use, we observed no scuffs or shrinkage.

These dryer balls were far more effective at removing static than others we’ve tested, and they significantly softened the material of our linens. Although they were fairly loud in the dryer, the noise wasn’t too disruptive to daily activities. We also appreciate the adorable sheep designs, with each dryer ball featuring a unique one, adding a fun flair to the laundry process. While the lamb design wore off during the six-month testing period, the dryer balls maintained their effective performance.

Material: New Zealand wool | Amount: 8 in pack | Diameter: 2.71 inches

The dryer balls’ spikes separate thick items like bedding and towels, resulting in faster and more even drying.

They don’t remove static very well.

Heavy loads of laundry require heavy-duty dryer balls, and this Nellie’s two-pack certainly rose to the occasion. These balls excelled with heavy loads of sheets and towels, effectively separating the laundry so that everything dried quickly and evenly. Even our thickest linens, which typically don’t dry as thoroughly, dried adequately with these dryer balls and even became softer over time.

With a diameter of 3.22 inches, these dryer balls were among the larger ones we tested. We found them to be a bit softer and squishier than standard plastic ones. Given their material, we were pleasantly surprised by how quietly they operated in our machine; they were even quieter than some of the wool dryer balls we tested. After using them for six months, they maintained pristine condition—we observed no obvious shrinkage or lint accumulation. Our only complaint was regarding static removal, as we found these dryer balls released less static than wool ones typically do.

Considering this pack only offers two dryer balls, it is certainly one of the pricier ones we tested. Even so, we think its impressive performance makes up for it. If you’re looking for an effective way to dry heavy linens like bath towels and bedding, Nellie’s Dryerballs check all the boxes.

Material: Thermal rubber plastic | Amount: 2 in pack | Diameter: 3.22 inches

These wool dryer balls effectively reduce drying time, wrinkles, and static.

They pill and get fuzzy over time, so they may not have as much longevity as other dryer balls.

If you’re tired of your clothes clinging together, dryer balls are known for reducing static. Wool dryer balls are particularly absorbent, retaining humidity to reduce this static electricity. This six-pack from Smart Sheep stood out in our testing for its ability to do just that. After using the dryer balls for six months, we found that they sped up the drying process, reduced wrinkles, and eliminated static.

Crafted with New Zealand wool, these dryer balls were notably quiet in our testing, making only a gentle, muted thud in the dryer. We attribute this noiselessness to their soft and squishy material, which seemed to absorb the bounce. After 30 minutes of use in our lab, the dryer balls reduced the moisture in our towels by 19%, leaving them damp yet evenly dry.

It’s worth noting that the dryer balls did get fuzzier over time. One of the balls actually got so pilled that it ripped after use, leading us to question the pack’s long-term durability. The manufacturer said this is normal, though, and we didn’t notice any change in performance as a result. Given their ability to reduce wrinkles and static, we think these dryer balls are an excellent option. Plus, the versatile pack comes in several playful designs, including standard white, sheep, penguin, and puppy.

Material: New Zealand wool | Amount: 6 in pack | Diameter: 2.95 inches

These fluffy dryer balls are available in multiple fragrances.

They pill after several uses.

Nothing beats the fresh smell of clean clothes, and some dryer balls come equipped with essential oils to give your linens that post-wash scent you know and love. Made of organic wool, Woolzies dryer balls are available in lavender, lemon, and orange fragrances, allowing you to tailor your laundry’s scent to your preference. In our testing, the balls retained the essential oils well, transferring only a subtle fragrance to our linens. We appreciate that the aroma wasn’t overpowering—we recommend that those seeking a stronger smell add more drops.

These dryer balls did a great job at keeping our towels separated during testing, preventing them from bunching up and speeding up the drying process. While they weren’t necessarily loud, the sound was definitely noticeable. They maintained their same shape and quality, even after six months of use, though we did observe slight piling and discoloration from the essential oils over time.

Material: Organic wool | Amount: 3 in pack | Diameter: 3.02 inches

The plastic spikes effectively reduce static and wrinkles.

They are louder than wool dryer balls.

Dryer balls, regardless of the material they’re made from, help reduce dryer times by lifting and separating clothes, creating pockets to stimulate airflow. Plastic dryer balls tend to be more efficient in this aspect in comparison to wool dryer balls because of the spikes that cover them. With their plastic spikes and cute hedgehog design, World Market’s Hedgehog Dryer Balls are our favorite plastic dryer balls.

After drying the towels for 30 minutes with the dryer balls in our lab, we observed a 9.78% decrease in moisture. While the towels maintained a similar level of wetness before and after 30 minutes of drying, after one month of use, we already observed a noteworthy reduction in drying time. Our clothing felt notably softer and far less wrinkly after using them. We were amazed that after drying, our socks looked as though they had been professionally pressed. The spikes on the dryer balls also made our linens catch less static, keeping our garments separate when we removed them from the dryer. The only difference we noticed after six months of use was some slight discoloration, but this didn't impact performance.

The dryer balls had an interesting texture, feeling almost rough to the touch. Given that they’re made of plastic, these dryer balls were the loudest ones we tested. We would compare the noise level to the sound of several pairs of shoes, the volume so loud that we found it difficult to have conversations nearby. While we wouldn’t recommend using them overnight, we think their ability to reduce wrinkles, static, and roughness, along with their cute hedgehog design, make them a great pick.

Material: Plastic | Amount: 2 in pack | Diameter: 3.18 inches

After a tedious testing process, the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls earned our top spot. Crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, they stood out for their quiet operation, impressive durability, and quick drying time. If you’re looking for something fragranced, we recommend the Woolzies Organic Wool Dryer Balls.

We tested 18 dryer balls in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating them on their performance, durability, noise level, and overall value for money.

In the lab, our first step involved examining the size, appearance, and texture of each dryer ball. We wrapped fabric measuring tape around the widest part of each ball and recorded its circumference. Once we were assigned a dryer, we placed six dryer balls into the empty machine, without any laundry, to assess their noise level.

Next, we were provided with six towels. Before washing them, we evaluated their texture and softness. Placing a large bowl on the scale, we zeroed it out and recorded the weight of the dry towels. Using a moisture meter, we assessed the moisture level of the dry towels, taking measurements at the bottom, middle, and top of the dry towels to account for all areas. After noting these measurements, we rinsed the towels in the washing machine (without detergent) and repeated the same process with the scale and moisture meter.

After collecting the pre-drying data, we put the six wet towels into the dryer with the six dryer balls. If the balls were scented, we added two to three drops of essential oils per ball before placing them in with the towels. Ensuring the vent was clean before drying, we ran the dryer on a normal cycle for 30 minutes. During the drying process, we observed the noise level of the balls. After the allotted time, we repeated the weighing and moisture meter process. We then examined the appearance and texture of the balls, noting any changes. To evaluate any potential shrinkage, we used the fabric measuring tape to record the circumference of the used dryer ball. If the ball was made of wool, we cut it in half to observe the core.

For long-term results, we took the dryer balls home with us. After one and six months of use, we evaluated their performance, considering whether they reduced drying time, wrinkles, or static. Regarding durability, we assessed whether they shrank, pilled, or sustained any significant damage over time. We also considered whether they altered the texture of our linens. Taking all these factors into account, we compiled our list of the best dryer balls.

Note: We used three different dryers in our lab testing, which likely played a role in the lab results.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Dryer balls can come in wool, plastic, foam, or rubber, but wool dryer balls are by far the most popular. According to Morris, wool dryer balls don't contain some of the chemicals, additives, or smells commonly found in plastic counterparts, making wool dryer balls great for people with sensitive skin. “Wool dryer balls have a ton of different benefits, but the one that is most important to me is cutting drying time, especially with the current cost of energy,” Morris says. “If I can cut down on drying time even just five to 10 minutes, it's a win for me, especially in the long run.” Plastic dryer balls are less eco-friendly, but they do last for quite a while and are very effective at reducing drying time.

Most wool dryer balls are between 2.5 and 3 inches in diameter, while oversized dryer balls are between 3 and 4 inches in diameter. The bigger the size of the dryer ball, the shorter the drying time. Oversized dryer balls are also best for large loads and bulky laundry such as bedding and towels.

“When buying dryer balls, size does matter because you want them to be able to move around freely in your dryer,” Barefoot says. “If they are too small, they will get lost in the laundry and won't be able to do their job properly. On the other hand, if they are too large, they will take up too much space in the dryer and won't allow your clothes to move around as freely, leading to them not drying evenly. The ideal size for dryer balls is somewhere in the middle so that they can move around freely and still be effective.”

Dryer balls typically come in sets of three, four, or six. To decide which is best for you, both experts agree it depends on the size of your laundry loads. For small and medium loads, most brands recommend either three to four regular-sized dryer balls or two oversized ones, and five to six (or three to four oversized) dryer balls for large loads. “If you find that your clothes are still taking too long to dry or are coming out wrinkled, try adding a few more dryer balls to the mix,” Barefoot says.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack: These dryer balls held up well after one month of use, and we appreciated having the option to add essential oils for a more aromatic experience. However, our clothing still experienced a significant amount of static, and we didn’t notice any changes in texture.

Kikkerland Puffer Fish Dryer Buddies, 2-Pack: Shaped like pufferfish, these adorable dryer balls kept our clothes fluffy and wrinkle free. Just keep in mind that they are a bit louder than wool dryer balls, so they may not be suitable for overnight drying.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Using dryer balls is quite simple. For the best results, keep them in your dryer to make sure you don’t forget to add them in after every cycle. Lightly misting wool dryer balls with water can also help with reducing static cling.

“Just add them to your dryer along with your wet clothes,” Barefoot says. “They will help fluff your clothes and reduce drying time. Most dryer balls can be used for multiple loads of laundry. Just make sure to clean them regularly!”

Cleaning dryer balls may seem counterintuitive or even unnecessary, but it may be required or helpful for the reusability and lifespan of a dryer ball. As a general rule of thumb, dryer balls should be cleaned every 80 to 100 loads of laundry.

“Dryer balls can be cleaned, as strange as that may sound since the main purpose of them is to roll around with clean laundry,” Morris says. “As a general rule, simply put them in the wash with cold water (your dryer balls will likely have specific instructions) and let air dry. This should remove any buildup, lint, etc.”

Most dryer balls, especially those made of wool, can last for hundreds and even thousands of loads. With proper care, dryer balls can last for years, which makes them the best eco-friendly alternative to single-use dryer sheets.

“I've had mine for around a year and a half and have yet to see any sign of defects,” Morris says. “I don't track how many loads I do, but it's certainly not on the low side, so they should last a while.”

To ensure your dryer balls stay in great condition to keep reducing wrinkles, static, and dry time, Barefoot suggests keeping an eye on their wear and tear. “The lifespan of your dryer ball will vary depending on how often you use your dryer and the type of fabric you are drying,” Barefoot says. “If you are using your dryer balls regularly, it's important to inspect them periodically, checking for any damage to let you know it’s time to replace them.”

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple, and L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To find the best dryer balls, we tested 18 different varieties in our lab and evaluated their performance, durability, noise level, and overall value for money. We then took them home to see how they fared after one and six months of laundry in real-life scenarios. We also received tips on how to shop for dryer balls from Adam Morris, founder of Appliances Made Simple, and Taylor Barefoot, cleaning expert, editor in chief, and founder of Snug Sensations.