Hunnyball vs. Spikeball: Two Paths to Outdoor Fun

zaIf you're looking to elevate your backyard or beach game day, you’ve definitely come across Spikeball. It’s the giant in the space, it almost single-handedly created the “active beach and backyard game” category, and we love it. Spikeball’s success is something we admire tremendously. But when we invented Hunnyball we knew we had something equally exciting that we wanted to share with the world. At first glance, the games have some similarities - as we’ve seen viewers acknowledge on social media. While we’re honored by the comparisons, we do think the two games are quite different. So here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which game is the better fit for you. (Our guess is you already own Spikeball, so hopefully this helps you understand why you should add Hunnyball to your game rotation.)

What Are Hunnyball and Spikeball?

• Spikeball: Often described as “volleyball meets four square,” Spikeball is played with a round net placed on the ground. Teams of two take turns bouncing a ball off the net, aiming to make it unreturnable by their opponents. The fast-paced gameplay demands agility, teamwork, and quick reflexes​.
• Hunnyball: A newer addition to the active beach and backyard game category, Hunnyball uses an upright wooden playing surface with adjustable angles. It’s often described as a portable version of wallball, where the basic objective is to make a ball unreturnable by the opposition. It’s also fast-paced and competitive, and demands athleticism and teamwork to earn a win.

“At a Glance” Comparison:

This table will give you a quick comparison of Hunnyball vs Spikeball.  If you keep reading, you’ll get the extended description of what both amazing games are like.

Gameplay Experience

• Spikeball is typically played 2v2, and focuses on high-speed, competitive gameplay, with a “bump, set, spike” feel to it. That sounds a lot like volleyball, except the ball is smaller and you use one hand or other body parts) at a time to strike the ball, instead of two hands or your arms. The goal is to work with your teammate to hit the ball off the net and make it unreturnable by your opponents. But, unlike volleyball, the net doesn’t have two sides…it’s a round net, just a few inches off the ground, and game play can occur anywhere around the net by any team. 
• Hunnyball is also very high-speed and competitive, but if you are familiar with wall ball or stoopball, that’s a better frame of reference than volleyball. You and your teammate must successfully catch a ball off the board thrown by an opponent, and successfully combine passes and a shot to make it unreturnable. By requiring catching and throwing, instead of “bump, set, spike”, Hunnyball is accessible to even the youngest players. Plus, the adjustable playing surface also helps make it a great choice for younger players and beginners. But make no mistake - this game is every bit as challenging as Spikeball when played at the highest level. You can read more about how to play on this page.

Equipment and Durability

• Spikeball sets are compact and easy to transport, but their durability has been a point of contention, especially during intense gameplay. Broken rims and wear-and-tear on the net are common concerns among tournament organizers​.
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• Hunnyball is designed with long-term use in mind. The sturdy wooden board is built to withstand rugged play, and metal hinges and fasteners are strong enough to handle the toughest throws. Just don’t leave it out in the rain.  It is wood after all (but it has an oil-based stain to help make it water resistant).

Community and Popularity

• Spikeball boasts a large, established player base with regular tournaments, TV presence, and a professional league. If you’re competitive or want to join an active community, Spikeball is the way to go​.
• Hunnyball is still growing its community, and has thrilled the players who have played it already, which includes many hardcore Spikeball players.  And while you may see a Spikeball set regularly when walking the beach, Hunnyball will help you stand out because most people still have to discover it.

Ease of Setup and Portability

• Both games are designed for portability, and come with carrying bags to make them easy to transport and store. Spikeball takes a little longer to set-up, because you have to assemble the playing surface and adjust the net tension each time you play. But at less than 10 pounds, it’s super easy to carry anywhere. Hunnyball can be faster to set up, just by unfolding the wings and laying out the boundaries, but it is heavier overall - making it a little less portable. But it’s still less weight than a cooler of ice, food, and drinks!!

Cost

• Spikeball sets are available in standard and pro versions, with prices reflecting the added features and durability. The relatively lower price point is achieved because the main playing surface is constructed of molded plastic parts..
• Hunnyball is more expensive than a typical Spikeball set, primarily because the board itself is constructed of Baltic Birch, a higher grade of plywood than is typically available at your local hardware store. In addition, the hinges and fasteners are metal, not plastic.  This combination makes it extremely durable -  and, much like a higher quality cornhole set, you can see and feel the difference.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Spikeball if:
• You love competitive, high-energy games.
• You want to join a vibrant community with opportunities to participate in tournaments or join leagues
• You prioritize lower weight/portability
• Choose Hunnyball if:
• You love competitive, high-energy games, but also want a family-friendly experience that’s easier to include all skill levels..
• You are ready to try a new game to test yourself and stand out from the crowd
• Durability and high quality materials are high on your priority list

But as we said in the beginning, if you are reading this you probably already own a Spikeball set, which means you will also love Hunnyball. There’s no reason not to own both. They do have some similarities, but the differences make them both unique and special games that are both worth having.