Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2023

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Stable iSUP boards for secure standing and paddling on all waters.

Stand-up paddle boarding, also known as SUPing, has become an increasingly popular recreational activity in recent years. That said, storing and transporting a giant plastic board can be a drag. Enter: inflatable paddle boards.

Like inflatable kayaks, they help make the paddlesport significantly more accessible. Plus, inflatable paddle boards offer a similar speed and stability to solid epoxy boards without the weight, which is why some professional SUPers actually prefer them. “On rivers specifically, most guides choose and prefer inflatable SUPs over epoxy and plastic just for durability reasons,” says Matthew Gontram, president of New Mexico River Adventures. “For most people who are out there doing it privately, you can deflate them, roll them up and throw them in an economy car.”

To find the best inflatable paddle boards for stand up (or seated) paddling, we conducted independent editorial research and relied on years of SUP and paddle experience to determine our top picks. We also checked in with the outdoor gear experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute — who have tested and vetted thousands of products for all of your outdoor adventure needs over the decades, from hiking shoes to daypacks — for insight into what makes a good paddle board.

Read on to learn more about our top choices in a variety of sizes and styles, what factors to consider when purchasing a stand-up paddle board and why you should trust our recommendations.

When it comes to quality construction in the inflatable SUP category, Gontram recommends the brand Hala.

The brand's Straight Up model from its Carbon line of inflatable paddle boards is made from durable PVC material, a thick synthetic polymer of plastic that is less likely to tear easily. It also features glued and welded seams, making it a good option for both still lakes and fast river streams. It inflates to 10 feet in length, which users say offers a strong combination of speed and stability. When you’re done with your adventure, it deflates into a convenient rolling backpack, which we love for storage. The price includes a pump, oar and repair kit, too.

While it's on the expensive side, we think Hala's famously solid construction and this model's portability in particular makes it a win for frequent SUPers.

Available for under $400, the Roc is one of the more affordable inflatable paddle boards on the market, yet reviewers say it still delivers a solid, supported ride.

If aesthetics matter to you, take note that this model comes in seven different colors and patterns to suit your fancy. It also comes with everything you need to get paddling, including a pump, tightening valve, waterproof dry bag and carrying backpack that makes it easy to transport. The included paddle also breaks down into three pieces for even easier storage. You can also opt to upgrade to a version that comes with a removable seat that turns your SUP into a one-person kayak.

At 33 inches wide, it’s one of the wider paddle boards on this list, which allows for more stability. Because of its width, it won't glide through the water as quickly as thinner boards, but that does make it a great choice for beginner SUPers.

Beginner paddle boarders should look for a wider board that allows for more stability and one with multiple handles in case a tumble does occur. The Feath-R-Lite offers both, with a 32-inch width and three handles as well as ribbed EVA padding for extra grip.

The solid PVC material will help you feel secure and we appreciate the extra features, like bungees on the front for storage and D-rings to attach a kayak-style seat (that must be purchased separately). It also includes a pump, an oar, a leash, a waterproof phone bag and fins. Some reviewers note the oar can be wobbly and the paddle lock could be more solid, but all in all, this is a lightweight, packable option that most individuals should be able to easily handle inflating and packing up on their own.

Reminiscent of a surfboard, Isle's best-selling Pioneer model comes in five different stylish color options on a cream base.

But it's not all about the looks: The actual construction is thoughtful as well, with front and back bungees for storage, a wide base and multiple fins for added stability, a large traction pad to help prevent slippage and a carrying handle for easy inflated portability. There’s even Velcro straps to hold your paddle secure while you carry the board.

All of the included accessories from the pump to the travel bag match this beginner-friendly board's beachy aesthetic, and the brand claims it can be inflated and deflated in just five minutes, thanks to a high pressure valve. Made with military-grade PVC material, it's designed to be sturdy and rigid enough to SUP on a variety of waterways. If you're looking for something that can hold a bit more weight, opt for the brand's Pioneer Pro model.

For those of us who struggle with balance but still want to stand up and paddle, the GILI Meno is a great option.

It comes in two length options — 10 feet 6 inches and 11 feet 6 inches — with the longer option being ideal for taller paddlers. The 35-inch width allows for better stability — ideal if you're looking to practice SUP yoga — and there are several fin attachments designed to help you easily navigate through different types of water (just note that some say they can be tricky to attach). Constructed of rigid PVC with a carbon fiber rail, it's designed to be durable and secure as well.

Like other inflatables on our list, it compacts to the size of a rolling backpack and comes with a pump and three-piece paddle; it also includes a coil leash and multiple mounts for an action camera and more, with the option to purchase a kayak conversion kit separately. And if you’re worried about loving it, the brand offers a 60-day guarantee (with a 20% restocking fee) and a two-year limited warranty.

The rougher waters of the ocean typically call for a hard-sided paddle board, but the Bluefin Cruise SUP is up to the challenge.

Bluefin's Cruise Carbon model is one of the longer options on the market at 12 feet long, which makes it ideal for slicing through waves before hopping on calmer seas (it's also available in 10 feet eight inches and 15 feet). Designed to be extremely durable, it's made with a carbon composite rail and dense dropstitch fabric to help keep the board rigid and flat. But even if a tear does occur, there are two air chambers to help keep it afloat. There are three handles to help hoist yourself out of deeper waters and a grippy “crocodile” deck pad to help prevent slipping once you're up.

With the included seat and convertible paddles, it is also possible to convert this board into a kayak if the waters are too exhausting to SUP. It’s a bit heavier than some other inflatables at 33 pounds, but we think the added toughness makes it worth it.

Although paddle boarding is usually a solo activity, this board from Body Glove is designed to hold up to 500 pounds, making it a SUP built for two. It also comes with two paddles and two seats to make it a convertible kayak, as well as a hand pump, dry bag, storage case and ankle leash.

It’s longer than most SUPs at 15 feet to handle the additional weight, but can still be maneuvered by one intermediate paddler if needed. Note that because it’s larger than most, it will take additional time to inflate and deflate. Space may also feel tight for two larger adults.

Although most people use paddle boards to leisurely paddle down rivers, marches and the like, you can get some action by fishing on one, too.

This Breeze Aero model from BOTE is specifically designed to do so with a place to secure a cooler for catches and a magnetic base to better hold a drink tumbler (just note that while the pump, repair kit and travel bag are included, both of these accessories are sold separately). There are bungees at the front and rear of the board for securing your essentials and it's made with durable, triple-stitched PVC. Aside from these bells and whistles, the board is also designed to be very stable at 33 inches wide — good if you find yourself wrangling a fish.

To choose the best inflatable SUPs, we conducted independent research while also tapping the expert opinions of paddle board guides to narrow down the options. When choosing inflatable paddle boards, we considered factors such as:

✔️ Inflation mechanism: The main thing keeping you from getting on the water faster is how long your board will take to inflate. We considered the quality of the included pump as well as how easy it would be to store, knowing that you'll likely have to bring it along on your ride if you can't stash it near the dock.

✔️ Stability: Stand-up paddle boarding requires a bit of balance to master but a more stable board can make it easier. We researched the width of the boards, knowing that wider options allow for more stability; we also took note of any material that allows for better grip on the board itself.

✔️ Durability: Even the calmest of waters can be filled with rocks and sticks that your paddle board is likely to hit. To reduce the chance of deflation accidents, we looked for inflatable SUPs made of strong PVC or EVA material with durable stitching methods. We also considered SUPs with multiple air chambers to ensure flotation if a nick does happen.

✔️ Weight: We considered both the weight of the board as well as how much weight the SUP is designed to hold. Since you’ll likely be traveling some distance to get it to the water, we recommend a board around 20 pounds to ensure it's not too heavy.

✔️ Portability: In addition to weight, we looked considered how easy it would be to store and transport the SUP. Many inflatable paddle boards can be rolled up into a carrying case, but some include a rolling backpack case as well as additional handles on the board to get it into the water.

When choosing a board, Gontram says the most important factors are where you’ll be using it, the size of the board, the amount of stability and your level of experience. You’ll also need to consider how easy it is to get from your car to the water.

These are the most important factors to think about:

✔️ Size: Good portability and maneuverability on the water comes down to the size of the board. Most people will be comfortable with a board around 10 feet long and 30 to 32 inches wide, which can help with stability. However, if you’re taller or want more speed, a 12-foot board may be better — just note that it will be less stable and take longer to inflate.

✔️ Anti-slip grip: Stand-up paddle boarding requires standing, of course, but maintaining a good grip on the board can be difficult once it gets wet. Boards with striped or patterned traction padding help provide ample grip so you can stay secure even if the wake of a boat strikes.

✔️ Material: Inflatable paddle boards need to be strong enough to handle rough waters and debris as well as last through long paddling sessions. Gontram says to look for “dropstitch, PVC boards that are extremely durable.” To double check the strength of the material, you can look at the denier of the fabric, a.k.a. how thick it is. Usually something that is at least 100 deniers is heavy-duty, but anything too high may feel overly heavy and dense.

✔️ Pump: Inflatable SUPs usually come with a standard manual pump to inflate the board. Some boards also feature high-pressure valves that make inflation easier.

✔️ Inflation time: The quicker the inflation the better, so you can hit the water as soon as possible. Most SUPs should only take around five minutes to inflate, but longer boards tend to take a little more time. You also need to factor in the ease of deflation, especially if you’ll be tired after a long day on the water.

Good Housekeeping writers, editors and analysts are experts when it comes to researching, testing and recommending outdoor gear. This roundup was written by contributor Courtney Campbell, a longtime product reviewer who selected these SUPs based on extensive research and interviews with professional paddle boarding guides.

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).

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