Disclosure: DribbleLift makes one of the apps compared here. Facts about every app come from its App Store listing, Google Play listing or website, checked on November 4, 2026 (US prices).
How DribbleUp works
DribbleUp pairs a smart basketball with an app of follow-along classes. The app tracks the ball during workouts and measures speed, accuracy and consistency. It runs on iPhone and Android and covers other sports as well as basketball.
The main trade-off is cost and hardware: you need DribbleUp’s own ball as well as a membership.
DribbleUp vs apps that work with any ball
| App | Needs a special ball | iPhone | Android | Feedback | Price (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DribbleUp | Yes: smart basketball, $59.99 list (on sale for $29.99) | Yes | Yes | Ball tracking during classes | $19.99/mo or $119/yr; 10-day trial |
| DribbleLift | No | Yes | Yes | AI score out of 100, written report, AI retests | Free tier; Pro $14.99/mo or $119.99/yr, 3-day trial |
| Ball AI | No | Yes | Yes | Dribble speed, height, force, count; shooting | Pro from $5.99/mo; yearly $39.99–$79.99 by plan |
| Kyrie AI | No | Yes | No | “Ball Handler Score” | $9.99/mo or $39.99/yr |
| Elete | No | Yes | No | Dribble speed, scored games | $7.99/mo or $69.99/yr |
| Pure Sweat Basketball | No | Yes | Yes | None (video workouts) | Free |
Which to choose
Choose DribbleUp if
You want structured, class-style workouts, you’re happy to buy the ball, and you also want other sports in the same membership.
Choose a camera app if
You already own a basketball, you want to start for free, or you want feedback on what to fix rather than only a workout to follow.
DribbleLift is built for that. A free five-move assessment in front of your phone camera gives you a score out of 100, a breakdown of control, speed and weak-hand skill, and the one thing to work on first. Guided workouts of about 7–8 minutes play a coach demo picture-in-picture with voice cues, and work offline. Retests compare your new clips with your last test so you can see what improved. It’s for players 13 and older. Read how the dribbling test works.
Do you need any special equipment to improve your handles?
No. A regular basketball dribbled hard and low builds almost everything a smart ball or weighted ball does. What matters is the routine: 15–20 minutes a day, extra weak-hand reps, and a way to check progress. Start with the 15-minute ball handling workout, or see the full dribbling app comparison.
Common questions
Is DribbleUp worth it?
It can be, if you like class-style follow-along workouts and don't mind buying the smart ball as well as the membership. If you already have a basketball and want feedback on your handle, a camera-based app costs less to start.
Does DribbleUp work without the smart ball?
DribbleUp is built around its smart ball, which the app tracks during workouts, and its website sells the membership and the ball separately. The camera-based apps on this page work with any basketball.
How much does DribbleUp cost?
On November 4, 2026, the App Store listed DribbleUp memberships at $16.99–$19.99 per month or $119 per year, and DribbleUp's website listed the smart basketball at $59.99 (on sale for $29.99). Its website mentions a 10-day free trial.
Is DribbleUp good for teenagers?
It depends on what they want. Teens who like guided classes may enjoy it; teens who want to know how good their handle is and what to fix may prefer an app that scores them, like DribbleLift (built for players 13 and older).