The Best Spikeball Alternatives Worth Playing in 2026

Spikeball put backyard games on the map. No argument there. But if you've been playing the same 2v2 roundnet matches since 2018 and you're ready for something different — or if you tried Spikeball and realized it's not quite your group's speed — there are real alternatives worth looking at.

We tested eight of them. Some are cheaper. Some are more inclusive. Some are completely different sports hiding under the "yard game" umbrella. Here's what's actually worth your money in 2026.

Quick Comparison

1. RoundBol — Best All-Around Alternative

Price: $98 (full game set) | $78 (no ball) | $28 (goals only)
Players: 2–6
Ages: 8+
What's included: Two collapsible round goals, a ball, cones, stakes, and a quick-start guide.

RoundBol is a backyard soccer game built around two circular goals. The round shape means you can score from any angle — 360 degrees — which changes everything about how the game flows. No standing around waiting for your turn. Develop new skills. Everyone's moving.

What makes it different from Spikeball: Spikeball locks you into 2v2 on a tiny net. RoundBol supports 2–6 players, uses your feet instead of your hands, and plays on a real pitch (you set it up with the included cones). The skill floor is much lower — anyone who can kick a ball can play — but there's real depth if you've got soccer skills.

Who it's for: Families with kids 8+, soccer families, anyone who wants something more active and inclusive than standing around a net. At $98, it sits right in the middle of the price range and includes everything you need.

The case against: If you're a hardcore Spikeball player looking for the same bump-set-spike mechanics, this isn't that. It's a different sport entirely — which is kind of the point.

Shop the RoundBol Game Set →

2. Slammo by GoSports — Best Budget Roundnet

Price: $39.99
Players: 4 (2v2)
What's included: Roundnet target, 1 training ball, 2 competition balls, carrying case.

Slammo is the game people are really talking about when they search "slammo vs spikeball." Same basic mechanics — two teams of two, bounce the ball off a low trampoline net, three touches to return it. No boundaries. The difference is price: $40 vs $75 for the Spikeball Weekender.

The honest take: The build quality isn't as tight as Spikeball's. The net tension can be inconsistent, and the legs feel flimsier. But for casual backyard play — not tournament roundnet — most people won't notice the difference. You get three balls instead of two, which is a nice touch.

Best for: People who want to try roundnet without dropping $75+. Good for camping trips and beach days where gear might take a beating.

3. KanJam — Best for Low-Key Hangouts

Price: $39.99 (Original) | $29.99 (Rookie) | $59.99 (Pro or Illuminate)
Players: 4 (2v2)
What's included (Original): Two goals and one official flying disc.

KanJam has been around forever and there's a reason. Two teams, two goals set 50 feet apart, one disc. You throw, your partner redirects. Slot the disc through the front opening and you win instantly. Simple rules, satisfying gameplay, almost zero learning curve.

How it compares to Spikeball: Much lower intensity. KanJam is the game you play while holding a drink. Spikeball is the game where you dive into the grass. Neither is better — they serve different moods.

Best for: Cookouts, tailgates, and groups that want something active but not exhausting.

4. Spikeball — The One You Already Know

Price: $64.99 (Rookie) | $74.99 (Weekender) | $119.99 (Pro)
Players: 4 (2v2)
What's included (Weekender): Frame, 2 balls (rally + pro style), carrying bag.

You probably don't need a full breakdown of Spikeball — it's the category creator. Two-on-two, trampoline net, three touches, no boundaries, 360-degree play. The Weekender kit is the sweet spot for most people. The Pro set adds a sturdier frame and tournament registration.

Why people look for alternatives: Spikeball is great if you've got exactly four athletic people who want to compete. But it falls apart with odd-numbered groups, mixed skill levels, or kids under 12. The ball is small, the reflexes required are real, and diving is basically mandatory if you're playing with anyone decent. It's not a family game — it's a sport.

Best for: Competitive groups of four who want a legit athletic challenge.

5. CROSSNET — Best for Volleyball Players

Price: $119.99
Players: 4
What's included: Support structure, net, boundary lines, anchors, volleyball, pump, carry bag.

CROSSNET is four-square meets volleyball. Four players, four quadrants, one net that crosses in the middle. Only the player in the "king" square serves and scores. Lose a rally, you rotate down. First to 11 wins.

How it compares to Spikeball: Completely different vibe. CROSSNET is more vertical (you're hitting a volleyball over a net that goes up to 95.5 inches) while Spikeball is all ground-level. CROSSNET also works well on sand, which makes it a natural beach game.

Best for: Volleyball players who want a competitive four-player format without needing six people and a full court.

6. PaddleSmash — Best for Pickleball Fans

Price: $199.99 (full set) | $159.99 (Lite — no paddles or balls)
Players: 2–4 (best as 2v2)
Ages: 14+
What's included (full set): Foldable court, net system, 4 pickleball paddles, 2 pickleballs.

PaddleSmash is what happens when pickleball and Spikeball have a kid. Teams of two stand on opposite sides of a ground-level court with a small net. You use pickleball paddles in a bump-set-smash rally — both teammates must touch the ball before sending it over. First to 11.

The honest take: It's fun if your group already plays pickleball. The Shark Tank pedigree (Season 15) helps with name recognition. But at $200 for the full set and an age minimum of 14+, it's a harder sell for families. The Lite version at $160 doesn't include paddles or balls — so you're buying those separately anyway.

Best for: Pickleball-obsessed friend groups looking for a portable version of the sport.

7. SpotKick — Best for Kicking Accuracy

Price: $209 (Classic) | $239 (Complete) | $259 (Deluxe)
Players: 2–8
What's included (Classic): Two premium wood-construction goals, 1 custom soccer ball, 4 cones.

SpotKick is a kicking accuracy game with handmade wood goals that genuinely look great in a backyard. Teams take turns kicking at the goals from a set distance — 1 point for straight through, 3 for hitting the post or crossbar, 5 for a redirect into the top "Spot" hole. Kick it directly through the Spot and you win instantly. Think cornhole energy, but with a soccer ball.

What works: The turn-based format makes it easy to manage with big groups — up to 8 players. The wood construction feels premium and holds up well. The scoring system is simple enough for kids but has enough skill ceiling (that Spot shot is hard) to keep adults locked in. Setup is quick and the rules click immediately.

What to consider: At $209+ for the Classic set, it's one of the pricier options on this list. The wood goals are sturdy but not ultralight — this is more of a "set it up in the yard and leave it" game than a pack-it-for-the-beach game. And the gameplay is turn-based, so if you're looking for continuous action where everyone's moving at once, it's a different vibe — more strategic, less cardio.

Best for: Soccer families, accuracy-game fans, and anyone who likes the cornhole format but wants something with a soccer twist. Great for skills development with older kids and teens.

8. KanJam Illuminate — Best for Night Play

Price: $59.99
Players: 4 (2v2)
What's included: Two LED-lit goals and one disc.

Same game as regular KanJam, but the goals light up with built-in LEDs. That's it — that's the upgrade. And honestly, it's enough. Night yard games are an underrated category, and playing KanJam with glowing goals at a summer bonfire is a genuinely good time.

Best for: Evening hangouts, camping trips, and anyone who's already played regular KanJam and wants the upgrade.

So Which One Should You Buy?

It depends on your group. Here's the shortest version:

• You want the most inclusive game: RoundBol. 2–6 players, ages 8+, everyone moves, $98.
• You want cheap roundnet: Slammo. $40 and it works.
• You want low-effort hangout vibes: KanJam. Throw a disc, drink a drink, repeat.
• You want competitive 2v2: Spikeball. Still the king of its category.
• You want volleyball without a full team: CROSSNET. Four players, four squares, no bench.
• You want pickleball-but-portable: PaddleSmash. Bring your own paddles or pay $200.
• You want soccer training disguised as a game: SpotKick. Premium build, premium price.
• You want to play after dark: KanJam Illuminate. Simple upgrade, big payoff.

If you've got a family with mixed ages, a soccer kid, or a group bigger than four — RoundBol is the move. It's the only game on this list that doesn't cap you at four players, doesn't require hand-eye coordination most 8-year-olds don't have, and actually feels like playing a sport instead of standing around.

Check out the RoundBol Game Set →

Looking for more ways to get outside? Check out our guide to fun soccer games you can play in any backyard or browse the full RoundBol setup.

Keep Exploring

• Best Outdoor Games for Birthday Parties — Top picks for group events and celebrations
• Best Yard Games for Family Gatherings — Games every age group can actually enjoy
• Fun Soccer Games to Play in Your Backyard — Pickup games you can play without a full team
• How to Play RoundBol — Learn the rules in under 2 minutes
• Our Story — How RoundBol started on a Venice beach
• FAQ — Common questions answered
• Get the Kit — Everything you need to start playing