Balance board vs wobble board vs rocker board – What’s the difference?
This post includes an affiliate link(s) for which I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase. Learn more.
The offer on the balance board market is enormous today. There are so many models and types that one can easily get confused about which to get. I’d like to set it straight for you and explain what’s the difference between different balance boards, specifically balance board vs wobble board vs rocker board.
What is a balance board?
Usually, a balance board is literally a board that is placed on a cylindrical roller. A person has to stand on a board with both feet and maintain balance on it.
Often it is a wooden board, about an inch thick with a rough surface on the one side to place feet on and two ledges on the bottom side to prevent it from slipping out.
The roller is usually made out of hard PVC or similar material and is usually about 7 inches in diameter. While there are so many balance board modifications out there, they all share the same principle.
There are some exceptions to that principle, not always does a balance board has a roller. It depends on its type.
Balance board types
Balance boards come in three main types:
- Rocker board
- Wobble board
- Roller board (usually referred to as a balance board)
Each balance board type has a unique design, use, and difficulty level.
Rocker
The design of a rocker board is simple and straightforward, usually, it’s a wooden board with a rocker attached to its bottom. These types of balance boards are simple and easy to use as compared to the other balance board types.
In some cases the rocker represents half a cylinder that goes along the board’s length, in others, it’s two semi-spheres located on the opposite sides of the board.
It allows you to rock on the board only forwards and backward or from side to side if you change position.
Rocker boards are a good starting point to train balance.
Wobble
Wobble board design includes a board and a fulcrum (called wobbler) usually in the shape of a half-sphere attached to it. Its design allows rocking the board in any direction or 360 degrees if you will.
The material of a wobbler can be soft or hard, which makes it easy or difficult to balance.
Sometimes a wobbler can be a special inflatable cushion. On top of which you can place the board.
Wobble boards can be a bit challenging as compared to a rocker board. They are widely used in fitness and therapy.
Cushion
A cushion is an additional accessory that often comes bundled with the balance board. It is made from soft materials and is usually inflatable.
A cushion acts in a similar way as a wobble board. You have to inflate the cushion and place it under a board.
You can set the difficulty by inflating the cushion more which will make it more “springy”, or less thus making it softer and easier to balance.
Roller
A roller board or often known as a balance board. Usually, it’s a wooden board that is placed on top of a plastic cylindrical roller.
This is one of the harder balance board types to master. Unlike rocker and wobble boards this one has a moving part – a roller. It is much harder to keep balance as compared to previous types.
Although the main concept of the roller board is the same, some design features may differ depending on the model and vendor.
Roller boards are widely used in fitness, sports, and recreational activities. Many professional athletes use roller balance boards in their training routine.
Difference between balance board vs wobble board vs rocker board
| Balance board | Wobble board | Rocker board | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Hard | Medium | Easy |
| Base | Flat with moving cylinder | Soft cushion like | Hard rocker |
| Shape | Rectangular/Oval | Round | Square/Rectangular |
| Avg. size | 30″ x 16″ | 16″ | 24″ x 15″ |
| Avg. weight limit | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Used for | balance training fitness core training sports tricks | balance training fitness seniors physical therapy ankle rehab standing desk | balance training ankle rehab standing desk |
Best balance boards
INDO BOARD Original
Key features
- One of the most popular brands
- Quality durable materials
- Indestructible molded plastic cylinder
- Weight limit up to 250 lbs
- Offers a wide variety of exercises
The Indo Board Original Balance Board is an all-around purpose, roller-type balance board. Because of that, it is suitable for the beginner all the way through the advanced difficulty level.
The Indo Board Original Balance Board model includes a 30” x 18” deck that is made from cabinet-grade Birchwood that is finished with a non-slip surface.
On the bottom side, there are two ledges to prevent the board from slipping out. The deck is about 0.6” in thickness.
A roller is a 6.5” diameter indestructible molded plastic cylinder with three strips of grip tape for better contact with the surface. The roller is black with two stickers on the sides.
For a full review check out my INDO Board Original article.
| Deck dimensions | 30” X 18” (76.2 x 45.7 cm) |
| Deck thickness | 0.6” (1.5 cm) |
| Roller size | 6.5” (16.5 cm) diameter |
| Weight limit | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Deck construction | 11/16” (27/40 cm) Cabinet-grade, Baltic Birch plywood with a non-slip surface |
| Roller construction | indestructible molded plastic with three strips of grip tape |
| Cushion size | 14” (35.5 cm) in diameter, mouth-inflatable, adjustable |
Yes4All Balance Board
Key features
- PEVA surface prevents slipping
- Has 3 difficulty levels
- Weight limit up to 300 lbs
- Wooden roller with an anti-slip TPE cover
- Has a 3-in-1 option
Yes4All Balance Board Trainer fits all ages & fitness levels. A hardwood balance board with a PEVA surface prevents slipping or falling. You can easily stand on the board barefoot, but shoes with anti-slip soles help provide an even better grip.
Bombproof construction with two added stoppers is designed to help you perform the hardest tricks. You can easily adjust the difficulty of your exercises with 3 different distance options 11, 16, & 22 inches. With the 11″ for beginners.
The full set includes a wooden roller with an anti-slip TPE cover. The roller works great on different types of flooring, including wood, carpet, cork, and concrete.
For a more detailed review check my Yes4All balance board review article.
| Deck size | 29” x 11” (73.6 x 27.9 cm) |
| Roller size | 21.3” x 4″ (54.1 x 10 cm) diameter |
| Weight limit | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Deck construction | Hardwood with a PEVA surface |
| Roller construction | Wooden roller with an anti-slip TPE cover |
Revbalance 101 v2
Key features
- Has multiple difficulty levels
- Weight limit up to 400 lbs
- High-quality manufacturing
- Has two roller grip strips on the bottom
- 4.5-inch in diameter smooth cylinder
This is an improved version of an all-around balance board made by Revolution. Its design is simple and clean. Which makes it a perfect balance board for beginners all the way to the advanced level of difficulty.
The deck is 29.5 x 11 inches in size. It is made out of solid multi-ply hardwood. With Durasoft Traction surface on top which provides a great combination of cushioning and grip for your feet.
On the bottom, the board has two roller grip strips for better grip and stability. As well as two bombproof roller stops to prevent the board from slipping out.
The roller is a 4.5-inch in diameter smooth cylinder.
With the Revolution 101 balance board, you can train overall balance and coordination. As well as to perform various advanced exercises like standing on one foot, squats, and squat holds. For more details check my review article on Revolution 101 balance board.
| Deck size | 29.5” x 11” (74.9 x 27.9 cm) |
| Roller size | 20” x 4.5″ (50 x 11 cm) diameter |
| Weight limit | 400 lbs (181 kg) |
| Deck construction | Solid multi-ply hardwood with Durasoft Traction surface |
| Roller construction | Smooth PVE cylinder |
Best wobble boards
Yes4All Wooden Wobble Balance Board
Key features
- Moves 360 degrees
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 300 lbs
- Heavy-duty wooden deck
- Secure non-slip surface
Possibly the most popular wobble board on the market. A good balance of quality, features, and overall price.
Yes4All wobble balance board with an anti-skid pad on the surface provides a secure grip for absolute safety. 15.75-inch diameter is large enough for both feet. Support up to 300 lbs.
360 degrees rotation and up to 15 tilting degrees, great to perform side-to-side, front-to-back, stretch, and circular drills.
With its lightweight, portable design, this balance board is great for balance exercises, home gyms, gyms, sports performance enhancement, rehabilitation, strength, and balance workouts.
Designed with a portable size so that you can carry it anywhere for quick workouts at home, or the gym or you can take it to the office and use it under your standing desk.
| Deck | Solid Wood material |
| Fulcrum | Plastic, 3″ |
| Size | 15.75″ diameter |
| Surface | Non-skidding surface |
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
EveryMile Wobble Balance Board
Key features
- Moves 360 degrees
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 300 lbs
- Made from heavy-duty plastic
- No-skid tear-resistant surface
EveryMile balance board stands out from the rest of the wobble boards with its unique design and choice of materials. Unlike other wobble boards on this list, it’s not made from wood. However, I decided to include it as an exception due to its qualities and features.
It’s made with durable plastic and TPR material, and the platform is sturdy and supports up to 300 lbs. The base is particularly textured to offer extra traction for your exercise. Its sizes are 15.7″ in diameter and 3.94″ in height.
A textured anti-slip surface provides better traction and gripping, so when your muscles are working, you can worry less about sliding off.
Features a roomy design for any type of footwear or bare feet. Suitable for everyone, beginners or experienced trainers, regardless of age, height, or physique.
EveryMil has two handles on the sides which makes it it is easy to transport, so you can use it almost anywhere throughout your home. It can also be taken to the gym or used at your standing desk.
| Deck | Heavy-duty plastic |
| Fulcrum | Plastic, 3.94″ |
| Size | 15.7″ diameter |
| Surface | No-skid tear-resistant surface |
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
Fitterfirst Professional Balance Board
Key features
- Moves 360 degrees
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 300 lbs
- Made from durable birch plywood
- Non-slip surface
Last but not least is the Fitterfirst Professional Balance Board. The quality and features of this balance board definitely make it one of the best wobble boards out there.
This fitness balancing rocker board provides a stable workout rehabilitation and physical therapy for anyone trying to overcome an injury, be it adult athletes or dancers, kids playing sports, or seniors after surgery.
This wobble board is made from durable 3/4″ birch plywood which is safe and has a non-slip top surface for any type of footwear or bare feet
The Fitterfirst board comes with a tri-level adjustable sphere. The board adjusts to 15, 17, and 20 degrees. This means you can start at an easier difficulty and challenge yourself as you get more experienced.
| Deck | Birch plywood |
| Fulcrum | Plastic, 3.25″ |
| Size | 16″ diameter |
| Surface | Easy-grip slip-resistant surface |
| Weight Limit | 300 lbs |
Best rocker boards
StrongTek Professional Wooden Rocker Balance Board
Key features
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 350 lbs
- Doesn’t have moving parts
- Made out of heavy-duty plywood
- Has anti-slip/anti-scratch pads on the bottom
The first board on the list is StrongTek Rocker Board. It is one of the easiest boards, to begin with. It is a rocker board which means it has no moving parts thus making it a good choice for beginners.
The top of the board features an easy-grip surface that’s gentle on bare feet but helps keep you in place safely and securely.
StrongTek Rocker Board is made out of heavy-duty plywood with long-lasting strength and durability to hold kids and adults up to 350 lbs.
The unique anti-slip pads on the bottom of the board provide great protection for your floor and don’t produce much noise.
This board is great for training overall balance and stability, physical strength and endurance as well as to use for standing desks.
| Deck dimensions | 23.5 × 15.75 × 4 in (60 × 40 × 10 cm) |
| Item Weight | 5 lbs (2.3 kg) |
| Weight Limit | 350 lbs (158 kg) |
| Material | Heavy-duty plywood |
Blue Planet Wooden Balance Board Trainer
Key features
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 500 lbs
- Doesn’t have moving parts
- Has a choice of grip surface
- Has a 3-in-1 design (removable modules)
Awesome multipurpose balance board that is well suited for beginners. This balance board features a 3-in-1 design.
What makes this board unique is the special attachable fulcrums or as they’re called modules. The board can be used with or without the modules, offering various difficulty levels.
Blue Planet balance board comes in 3 different deck grips so you can find your perfect traction: EVA Foam, ideal for barefoot use, Clear Skate, or Black Skate Grip. The deck is 25″ wide and has curved up ends like a skateboard.
The bottom of the board features anti-slip pads that provide protection for your floor and don’t produce noise.
| Deck dimensions | 25 × 12.25 in (63 × 31 cm) |
| Item Weight | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Weight Limit | 500 lbs (226 kg) |
| Material | Bamboo/plywood |
PACEARTH Professional Wooden Balance Board
Key features
- Good beginner’s choice
- Weight limit up to 400 lbs
- Doesn’t have moving parts
- Made out of heavy-duty Beech wood
- Has anti-slip/anti-scratch pads on the bottom
A very stable and durable rocker balance board. Made out of high-quality Beech wood it can hold up to 400 lbs.
PACEARTH balance board has 3-foot bottom support, which makes it more durable than the other boards of its kind.
The top of the balance board features an easy-grip surface that’s gentle on bare feet but helps keep you in place safely and securely. And the nonskid feet are perfect on any surface, including concrete, wood, cork, or carpet.
Anti-slip and anti-scratch pads are perfect for floor protection. But it should be noted that because the bottom pad is glued, it may be detached, and the pad needs to be reinstalled
| Deck dimensions | 17 × 13 × 3.7 in (43 × 33 × 9 cm) |
| Item Weight | 5 lbs (2.3 kg) |
| Weight Limit | 400 lbs (181 kg) |
| Material | Wood |
Conclusion
To sum up, there are three main balance board types rocker, wobble, and roller. Each one has its own unique traits, features, and uses. The bottom line for choosing between a balance board vs wobble board vs rocker board is:
If you’re a complete beginner or just want to strengthen your ankles get a rocker board.
If you’re more into fitness and improving strength and coordination get a wobble board.
If you want to significantly improve your balance and diversify your training routine get a roller board (balance board).