The 8 Best Dryer Balls, Tested and Reviewed
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.
Grove Co. Wool Dryer Balls & Essential Oil Set at Amazon
$35
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These wool dryer balls significantly reduce drying time.
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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
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![A person putting the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Ball into a dryer]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![The Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls on top of a pile of laundry in a woven basket]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![A person showing the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Ball in half]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![The Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Ball near a tennis ball]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![A person touching a towel that was in a dryer with the Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Ball]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson