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.
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 - Titleist set the gold standard for golf balls across the market and the Tour Soft is an excellent mid-priced option for those with a moderate swing speed to help gain a few extra yards off the tee.
The SuperSoft golf balls from Callaway could prove particularly beneficial to senior players or those with slower swing speeds thanks to lower compression, whilst there are plenty of color options for those who want to spice things up.
A really well-rounded golf ball, the Soft Feel boasts a lower compression and will suit those with slower swing speeds but also provides lovely feel for pitch and chip shots around the green as well as putting.
Wilson have really raised their floor when it comes to the 2025 iterations of their golf balls and the Duo Soft is an example of that - it performs well in most areas, most notably in the distance and feel departments.
Sporting a unique 'paint splash' design, the Speed Soft Ink golf balls from TaylorMade deliver really good all round performance for an affordable price, making them one of the best TaylorMade golf balls.
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
Our top pick goes to the Tour Soft Ball from Titleist. It's a brand that produces a strong cohort of golf balls and there is something there to suit pretty much any and every player - given the all round performance of the Tour Soft coupled with the reasonable price, we'd class it as one of the best Titleist golf balls money can buy. Why? The soft feel was coupled with a powerful feel off the tee during our testing and despite the fact they won't rank as one of the best distance golf balls on the market, they blend spin and distance really well.
This is largely thanks to the reformed Fusablend cover, one of a number of notable changes from the previous iteration of this golf ball. The cover is designed to deliver more consistent spin, most notably for pitch and chip shots around greens. We also really enjoyed the new T-link alignment tool on the side of the ball which can benefit players of all abilities on the greens - it forces you to pick your target more before your putt and should help you improve your alignment, hopefully leading to more putts dropping and lower scores as a result.
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
Callaway's Supersoft is aimed at players with average of slower swing speeds who want a soft feel from their golf ball - but also those who want to show a bit of zest with their ball of choice. Six different color options are available, from white to pink, to really allow you to stand out from the crowd.
The standout talking point for the latest iteration is the distance and durability on offer, mainly thanks to the new Paraloid Impact Modifier hybrid cover. Callaway's HEX dynamics also help reduce drag as the ball flies through the air which helps increase launch and overall apex. This benefits players off the tee who can now achieve higher launch angles which should lead to longer drives.
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
If a nice feel is top of your priority list whens searching for a mid-priced golf ball, the Srixon Soft Feel should be on the top of your shopping list. It's one of the best Srixon golf balls money can buy for a number of reasons, most notably the affordability and the performance that comes with said price tag. The FastLayer Core is where Srixon achieve this soft feel - it 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.
This is a great option for mid-to-high handicappers or those with swing speeds under roughly 90mph due to the soft core as it is catered for these speeds to ensure more consistent spin and distance numbers than what would be achieved with a firmer golf ball.
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
We think Wilson have taken a significant step forward in both their golf ball and club offerings in 2025 and the Duo Soft has become a really strong contender in the middle ground of the golf ball price range.
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.
It also boasts a new, more refined look compared to previous iterations. The ball is no colorless, giving it a slicker, more simplistic look that I think looks great and gives it a more premium feel that is 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
Brands are become more bold with their golf ball designs and I'm here for it - be that weird or whacky designs dotted around the ball or thicker, more notable alignment aids on the sides of each ball. The Ink Soft focuses more on the former, featuring dashes of bright colored paint all over the ball in mutliple colors of your choosing. The look may not be for everyone, 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, much like TaylorMade's TP5 Pix golf balls.
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. The higher launch and spin allowed us to be more aggressive with approach shots into greens and take on a few more flags knowing we had the stopping power to stick it close which will only serve to boost the confidence of players of all abilities. This is another really solid golf ball from a brand used to creating them and is a contender for one of the best TaylorMade golf balls.
- 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. Our testing methodology has been fine tuned over a decade plus of reviewing some of the best (and worst) golf equipment to hit the market, but our goal has remained the same this whole time - to deliver bias-free reviews to then give our readership the best informed buying advice possible to help you make the best buying decisions around your game in a sport that is only becoming more and more expensive.
With golf balls, our procedure revolves around indoor and outdoor testing conducted by our team of reviewers. Our golf ball testing is split between PGA Professional Joe 'The Pro' Ferguson, former college golfer and Mini Tour pro Sam De'Ath and Deputy Editor Joel Tadman - all of whom know a thing or two about what makes a good golf ball!
Joel Tadman testing the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball
Starting with indoor testing to get some controlled statistics, we always get golf ball data using launch monitors like SkyTrak or Foresight Sports GCQuad. Often we hit new models alongside previous generations, or competing models to see how the performance differs as well.
We then takes them onto the golf course to see how they perform in real life conditions. We look to play different styles of golf courses like parkland, heathland and links to see how different balls performs in different environments. We also strive to test them all in different conditions - dry, wet, windy, calm etc, to see which really rise to the top after a rigorous testing procedure.
Joe Ferguson testing the Wilson Staff Model X Golf Ball
Our reviews are done for golfers, by golfers, meaning we know what to look for when reviewing different pieces of golf gear. We want to reiterate that no brand ever gets preference over another, nor can a manufacturer simply 'buy' a good review. Instead, we simply call it how we see it!
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.
