The 7 Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2025 | Tested

Paddle boards are a great way to spend a relaxing day out on the water, but they can be large and hard to store and transport. Inflatable SUPs break down that barrier so you can drive your sedan (or heck, your bike) right up to the lake's edge, unload, inflate, and enjoy a fun day at your favorite local water feature.

Since 2018, our paddling experts have tested over 40 of the best inflatable paddle boards. This review covers 20 top models that we purchased for side-by-side testing. We tested each board in various locations, weather, and water conditions. Paddlers of all ages, sizes, and experience levels, and even animals, challenged themselves and these boards to test their stability, maneuverability, and glide. We timed ourselves during set-up to reveal the quickest and easiest to inflate and carried the boards short and long distances to evaluate the ease of transport. We even brought extra equipment on our tours to test which boards are best for longer adventures.

Our test team's favorite inflatable paddle board is the Bote Wulf Aero. It's super stable and easy to maneuver and costs less than some of the pricier boards that didn't perform as well. If you're on a tighter budget, you can still get out on the water the Advenor Extra Wide without making a huge investment.

Many of the boards we tested include a paddle, but not all do — and some come with cheaper paddles that you might want to replace. Check out our separate SUP paddle review to find one that works for you based on your preferences and budget. We have also spent many hours out on the water testing kayaks and rigid stand-up paddle boards.

Editor's Note: Our inflatable paddle board review was updated on February 21, 2025, to share a quick overview of some of our favorite boards.

The Bote Wulf Aero proved stable in choppy water and easy to maneuver for paddlers of all skill levels. This board has a gradually tapered nose and longer center fin, and testers found it to glide easily through waves and smoothly on flat water. We took this board out on a very windy day and were surprised at how well it cut through waves. “Even with waves coming every direction, this thing was easy to stay upright on,” one tester remarked. Its ability to glide and turn on a dime also wowed our test team. As we paddled forward, we felt like we were effortlessly gliding through the water. Even after we stopped paddling, the board kept moving straight on. And when it was time to turn, the board was ready, quickly changing direction. We appreciate the lightweight build and ability to fold up compactly. Getting it pumped was simple enough, and the thoughtfully placed handles made it easy to get from our cars to the lake.

There wasn't much we didn't love about the Bote Wulf Aero. The additional features, high quality of construction, price, and ease of transport make the Aero a favorite among paddlers looking for a high-performance board at a reasonable price. If you're just looking to get out on the water for the lowest price possible, the Advenor Extra Wide is worth a look, discussed below. Our only major complaint about the Aero was the sticky fin, which took a little wiggling to get in and out. We also caught an edge of water when the board was rocked side to side, but that took a lot of rocking. All in all, we can't stop raving about this board.

Read more: Bote Wulf Aero review

The Advenor Extra Wide excels in stability, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those prioritizing balance. For its budget-friendly price, it offers solid performance, with convenient features like removable fins and a compact carry case, as well as extra accessories like a waterproof phone case. This board just weighs 17.5 pounds, making it easy to transport. Compared to other boards in its price range, we felt this board was durable and could hold up to years of love and use. All of our testers, whether they were new or advanced paddlers, enjoyed this board, especially those who like to do yoga or goof off with some backflips. The stability made it easy to play around on this board or bring a buddy, be they human or 4-legged. Add a life jacket and you'll have everything to get out on the water without breaking the bank.

While the board felt durable, the paddle could be of better quality. The Advenor isn't the fastest or most maneuverable. “If you stop paddling, you'll pretty quickly find yourself at a standstill,” one tester said. Additionally, it took us a few paddles before we could fully turn around, especially in the wind. However, it's still easy to paddle and steer, especially for novices. We took a few new paddlers out on the water, and despite these complaints, they had no trouble getting around on the board. With its easy inflation and budget-friendly price, the Advenor Extra Wide is a standout option for stability-focused paddlers. If you prioritize glide performance more than stability, check out the pricey Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL.

Read more: Advenor Extra Wide review

With its heavy-duty carbon-reinforced construction and impressive all-around performance, the Bluefin Cruise Carbon gives solid core boards a run for their money. This board is 12 feet long, with a pointed nose that our testers found to offer excellent glide. The 32-inch width and carbon fiber Flex Reduction System (FRS) helps maintain rigidity in choppy conditions and provides a stable paddling platform. “I often find myself sitting down when paddling anyway, so it was cool that this board comes with a kayak seat attachment and convertible paddle,” one tester said. The included heavy-duty carrying bag has roller wheels and can fit all your accessories if packed carefully. This board has dual cargo tie-down systems, front and back grab handles, and a stomp pad built into the deck pad. Testers also remarked on the quality of the dual-chamber, high-capacity pump, saying, “It's one of the best pumps I've seen included with a SUP package.” With high-end materials and construction, this board offers consistently great performance.

The Cruise Carbon 12 is an excellent high-end board, but it is also quite heavy and pricey. The extra features, such as the kayak seat and the extra convertible paddle blade, make it difficult to fit everything into the included carry bag, and the overall load is quite hefty. Additionally, while the convertible SUP/kayak paddle is unique, we found it too flexible in SUP mode for such a rigid and high-end board — so you may want to replace this piece, which is another expense. These things aside, if you're looking for a high-performance board that feels like a solid SUP, this is a great choice. If you want a kayak seat model but don't have the budget for the Bluefin Cruise Carbon, we also like the ROC Scout, which has a much friendlier price point and beginner-friendly features.

Read more: Bluefin Cruise Carbon review

The Isle Pioneer 3 is a dream for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Perfect for afternoon yoga sessions, extended paddles, or bringing along a furry friend, it is calm in still and choppy water. The attention to detail—front and back cargo straps, a wheeled carry case, and a convenient paddle strap—truly sets it apart and makes it a standout choice. Isle truly thinks of everything, even making their fin box split in the middle so rolling the board back up is easier, and you don't have to stress about bending the fin box. The construction of this board will hold up to being well-loved. Its welded rails make it more stable and more durable, potentially expanding the lifespan of this inflatable. Isle upgraded this board from the previous model and shed some weight, knocking it down to just 19 pounds. This means that whether you're carrying it inflated down to the water or in the backpack carry case, it's light and easy to move.

We were impressed with how well this SUP glided through the water; even in windy conditions, it tracked straight on. However, it only did about average when it came to maneuverability. We got it turned around in just a few strokes, but it was fairly choppy in doing so, unlike the Bote Wulf Aero which turns on a dime. Though the Pioneer is very durable, we can't say the same for the pump. After a few uses we had a minor air leak. We could still use it, but we could hear air escaping as we inflated the board. However, pumps are fairly inexpensive, and this doesn't deter us from using this board whatsoever.

Read more: Isle Pioneer 3 review

Of all the boards we have tested, the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 is the board we grabbed whenever we were bringing extra gear or a pet. It features a huge bag that easily fits all the accessories with room for stashing your personal belongings as well. We packed extra clothing, PFDs, dog supplies, and more into the generously sized bag. We tossed it all onto the roof of a Jeep Wrangler and paddled the Waterwalker through boat waves and wind. This board weighs only 23.7 pounds and measures 32 inches wide. The recommended rider weight is 210 pounds, but it has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds. Inflate it to 20 PSI and the board not only becomes stiffer, but more stable when loaded. The side of the board has two velcro loops that can hold a paddle or fishing rod, and there are plenty of D-rings as well as cargo nets on the front and back. The Waterwalker allows you to carry more to the water and then bring it all with you, too.

The Waterwalker isn't for everyone. The bulky bag was almost as large as some of our testers, and it does not glide as smoothly as some of the other boards we've tested, like the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL. But if you like to travel with your board and want the option to stash all your supplies in one place while doing so, the Waterwalker is a great choice. The paddle and included electric pump are relatively lightweight and reduce the effort required to get out on the water. This board is durable, performs well in most conditions, is easy to transport once inflated, and has plenty of cargo space and attachment rings for all the gear you want to bring along. Additionally, the three detachable fins are simple to attach without tools, and they can be adjusted to increase stability or maneuverability. The extended deck pad is grippy almost to the tail, so stepping back to make a turn is accessible, and your belongings, pup, or kids won't slip off. The handles on the front, center, and rear provide multiple locations for carrying and make it easy to transport this board in and around the water.

Read more: Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132 review

Are you looking for a budget-friendly paddle board with excellent stability? Look no further than the ROC Scout, a top choice among beginners and experienced paddlers alike. This highly popular inflatable includes a small dry bag, seat, paddle, pump, and ankle strap, offering everything you need to get started. This board stands out because of its blend of stability, lightweight build, and ease of use. But the real deal here is that the ROC Scout can frequently be found at remarkable sale prices well below the listed MSRP. This SUP handled wind, river currents, and flat water with ease. It has far less flex than many boards at a similar price point and doesn't feel bouncy or like it might tip when on choppy water. “I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Scout kept pace with other SUPs when a group of us were out paddling,” one tester noted. For a lighter, cheaper board, it also has great tracking thanks to its 3-fin system.

Read more: ROC Scout review

High-quality materials and construction, a sleek profile, and excellent glide performance earn the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL high overall scores, and it's the best model in our lineup for touring. “If you're really trying to cover some ground, this is the board to do it on,” one tester said. Because the Voyager+ is optimized for advanced users looking for efficient glide and higher speeds, it's not the best all-around option for the family or beginner paddlers. Its long and narrow shape yields excellent glide performance — it's a perfect option for glassy days when you want to cover some distance, but it also holds up quite well in windier or choppier conditions. With an FCS Connect fin and an RSS stiffening system that adds rigidity to the rails, the Voyager+ MSL is a top-of-the-line board with high-end performance. The icing on the cake is the included dual-chamber, universally compatible pump, one of the best in our review.

Because of this model's sleeker profile, beginner paddlers often felt less stable on it. This isn't an optimal entry-level board, nor the best option for rocky zones or narrow passageways with its somewhat limited maneuverability compared to shorter models. If easy maneuverability is what you're after, we recommend the GILI Komodo. The Voyager+ is also one of the priciest boards we tested, and it doesn't include a paddle, which means you'll have to purchase one separately, adding to the cost. However, we suspect anyone in the market for such a high-end, high-performance inflatable board probably already has their preferred paddle or won't have any qualms about the additional purchase of a top quality SUP paddle.

Read more: Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL review

We purchased all of the paddle boards in this review and tested them extensively in the Lake Tahoe region and the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Santa Barbara. We loaded them up with beginners, experts, multiple people, dogs, and gear. We even practiced yoga poses on them. A big part of inflatable SUPing is the ease of inflation, setup, and transportation. We paid special attention to these aspects, even packing one board on an international trip to the Maldives.

Our experts responsible for testing these inflatable SUPs are Katie Young, Nick Bruckbauer, Leslie Yedor, Shey Kiester, and Jenay Aiksnoras. Katie has been a backpacking and llama pack guide for seven years, chasing type-two fun adventures in her free time. She lives on the shores of Lake Tahoe and spends every free moment playing in the mountains and lakes around her home. In addition to paddling year-round in sunny Santa Barbara, California, Nick can be found skiing, hiking, biking, or running anywhere from California to Colorado to Alaska. Leslie can be found skiing, rock climbing, practicing gymnastics, or working with patients at her private integrative medicine practice, which had its beginnings in Yosemite's legendary Camp 4. Shey has tested numerous paddleboards for GearLab and has also written for Alpinist, the American Alpine Journal, and Backpacker, among others. Jenay has been guiding paddle yoga practices and tours on Lake Tahoe since 2011; she can be seen cycle-commuting, running trails, and jumping in the lake every chance she gets.

Whether you plan to spend your day touring around the lake with friends or want to take your love of surfing to the river, these specialty watercraft are built to do it all, but some are better than others. We tirelessly tested and retested these boards for months, with our beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers all keeping careful notes along the way. We paddled out in a variety of conditions on flat, flowing, and choppy water, as well as in windy conditions. After that, we rated each model through various performance categories, including stability and glide performance, ease of transport and inflation, and maneuverability. Below, we dive into the details of each test and discuss which models shine and which fail to impress in each metric.

Looking for a good deal? Two boards that stand out with their noteworthy performance for a reasonable price are the Advenor Extra Wide and the FunWater 11. Both provide surprisingly capable performance at a ridiculously low price. Similarly to the FunWater 11, the ROC Scout can be found at an incredible price if you're willing to watch for sales. If you are willing to spend a little extra, the Bote Wulf Aero has excellent performance and durability. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12 and Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL, provide impressive top-notch performance but have premium price tags to match. While most general paddlers will find a better value with the more affordable options, advanced paddlers will appreciate the high-end performance of these top choices.

Stability is the most important metric in our review. To assess this, we took the boards out on the water for real life tests. We noted how steady they were when turning, rocked, and while standing up. We also assessed the stability with our pets and extra friends on board. The Advenor Extra Wide wowed us with its outstanding stability. Its 33-inch width and 11-foot height give it a solid base, so as we rocked the board back and forth, we never felt like we would get thrown off. The Bluefin Cruise Carbon also has excellent stability thanks to a heavier-duty touring design with carbon-fiber reinforcements. While advanced users may be willing to sacrifice stability for improved glide performance or maneuverability, a board's stability typically enhances its efficiency, even amongst touring models.

Your height and weight should be considered when determining which board will be the most stable. As a general rule, longer and wider boards, like the Isle Pioneer 3, equal a more stable feel. That said, the dimensions that affect stability the most are the thickness and the sidecut. Thickness is particularly important for inflatable models as thinner boards tend to feel floppy, even when inflated to their maximum recommended pressure. Most inflatable boards are at least six inches thick. We don't recommend getting a thinner board unless it is wide enough to compensate.

The width of a board is measured across at its widest point. The sidecut describes how gradually the sides curve towards the tip and tail. Boards with a less aggressive side cut offer superior stability compared to those that narrow more dramatically. The Bote Wulf combines a 34-inch width with a 10.4-foot height to provide plenty of stability. We had no trouble doing yoga or taking our dog pals on this board.

A wide, gently tapering sidecut is one reason the Bluefin Cruise Carbon scores so well in this metric compared to other models. The Bluefin, ROC Scout, and Tahe Beach SUP-Yak include convenient kayak conversion kits for more comfortable and efficient paddling when conditions get really rough.

Deck padding is also something to consider here. This is the covering on the top of the board. The texture of the deck can affect how comfortable your feet, knees, or hands feel while paddling. For longer days, a smoother and softer deck is desirable. The length of the deck pad is also an important consideration for those practicing paddle yoga or spending time resting on their board. We particularly like the feel of the pads on the Isle Pioneer 3 and Gili Komodo because of the simplicity of the texture.

Stable boards are helpful if you're planning to have multiple passengers aboard, need to haul excessive amounts of gear or plan to practice SUP yoga. For an all-around board, the Bote Breeze Aero provides an excellent blend of stability, maneuverability, and glide, earning respectable scores in each rating category as a result. Every board will have a weight capacity listed to help you decide how much gear you can pack for your tour.

No matter how you cut it, inflatable SUPs don't glide as well and aren't as maneuverable as rigid SUPs. Rigid boards have fiberglass hulls that allow for a more refined design and a slicker surface that slices easily through the water and garners a quicker turn response. Fin configuration also plays into this as well. Three fins help to increase the movement of water beneath the board and increase glide. When thinking about this, keep your experience level and needs in mind. Do you need the most responsive board on the market? If so, you'll need to be willing to pay for it. The speed lost between an inflatable model and a rigid one, or a high and low-end inflatable, is usually insignificant for most beginner or recreational paddlers.

Technological advancements to inflatable boards allow many in our lineup to perform well enough, even in choppy water or wind. The rigid rail inserts on the Red Paddle Voyager and the carbon stringers in the Bluefin Cruise Carbon significantly improve these boards' rigidity and glide. The Voyager also has an aggressive nose shape with a narrow profile, which helps it excel in this area.

The Atoll 11' isn't narrow, but it has a pointed nose that helps it cut through the water more effectively. Paddleboard companies will boast their unique technology that enhances rigidity and stability, and the goal, for most, is to do so without adding too much weight. If you're looking for a super lightweight and rigid board, check out the Badfish Flyweight. Though the NRS X-Lite has a blunt nose, it was one of the quickest of the bunch, especially on a calm day.

Both the Isle Pioneer 3 and the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak are designed more for stationary stability than faster movement, as the blunt nose and wide waist make them feel a bit sluggish at times. But if you're focused on relatively stationary paddleboard activities (like yoga, napping, or reading), they are excellent choices. This is another example where selecting a board that's a top scorer in every metric might not be in your best interest. Decide which performance categories are important to you, and go from there.

This metric is all about the ease and speed of lateral movement and is best reflected by the turning radius of the board. You can turn at a sharp angle by back paddling, pivoting around your paddle, or by paddling forward in a long arc. Back paddling makes it easier to make a tight turn but destroys forward momentum. Forward paddling allows the rider to maintain their course but requires more effort. The turn radius is also much larger.

Shifting your weight toward the rear of the board, especially on models with a rockered nose, lifts the nose out of the water and makes turning much more efficient. Both the Bote Wulf and GILI Komodo shine when it comes to quick maneuvering. Our testing team continued to be impressed with the Wulf, even on windy days it turned with very little effort. The Bote Breeze and Badfish Flyweight also did well here, allowing us to move around tight corners and = change direction easily.

Stability also has an impact on a board's maneuverability. A narrower sidecut can make a board less stable. This makes moving to the back of the board more precarious, so proper turning technique is much harder to achieve. The fins and width of the board will affect how stable it feels while standing, paddling, and moving along the water's surface. Boards with three longer fins and a wider deck will likely feel more stable. A board with removable fins can become a bit faster if the two side fins are taken off. On some boards, like the Thurso Surf Waterwalker 132, the fins can be adjusted forward or backward to effect stability and maneuverability.

Typically, maneuverability has an inverse relationship to glide. Touring boards like the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ are long and narrow, so they move quickly and efficiently over distance. While this shape is great for gliding, it creates a lot of drag when trying to turn. The size and quantity of fins at the back of the board affect how easily the board moves straight forward. Beginner paddlers may find that they need to switch the side on which they paddle when on a board with fewer or smaller fins.

When considering an inflatable SUP purchase, user-friendliness is incredibly important. The main advantage of an inflatable board comes from its portability, making it convenient for a variety of missions. If you're committed, you can even pack some of these boards into remote alpine rivers or lakes. This varies based on how heavy they are, how well they fold up, how sturdy their carry system is, and how comfortable they are to walk with. Bags that have wheels are easier to transport on pavement and packed paths. Lighter paddles and pumps may not be as durable as heavier ones but will allow you to access more distant locations.

We also consider extras that make packing and transport easier, like the included carrying bags. Bags that did not get the job done for one reason or another scored very low, whereas bags that were comfortable and easy to use scored higher. Some bags include straps for holding the board closed and attaching it to the bag's interior, as well as additional pockets, external handles, chest straps, and padding.

The NRS X-Lite is impressively light at just 14 pounds. It was easy to get around within its carrying case, but the lack of top and bottom handles made it more challenging to transport once inflated. The next lightest boards in our lineup are the ROC Scout, Bote Wulf, SereneLife Inflatable, weighing in the 16-17 pound range. Lighter boards are both easier to haul while inflated and also easier to roll up and transport from place to place. Companies have been making improvements in the areas of durability without sacrificing weight. New stitching techniques and materials are helping to decrease the overall weight of inflatables across the board.

The folks at Bote definitely put thought into ease of transportation. The adjustable pack, cushioned shoulders, and chest strap, as well as the light weight of the board, paddle, and pump, make these models some of the most comfortable to carry. We also appreciate a bag that is roomy enough to fit everything easily. Thurso and Isle both provide bags that are roomy enough to stash additional gear or clothing.

Many of the inflatable SUPs we test, like the Isle Pioneer 3, Voyager+MSL, and BlueFin Cruise, include bags with backpack straps and wheels. For most missions, we found this helpful, but if you're planning on carrying the pack for a long distance on trails, the wheels are an unnecessary extra and often require a hard bottom that can be uncomfortable on your backside, sometimes pinching your skin.

Another key piece to setting up your board is how easily it inflates. This is affected mostly by the pump's quality and how much volume and air pressure the board needs. Most boards come with similar dual-action system pumps, which allow you to adjust the pump when the board pressure increases, making it easier to get those last few pounds of air in. Overall, inflation is pretty similar across the board. Larger boards may take longer to pump, and developing your technique and efficiency may take a few tries. Some pumps also include a deflate setting, which can make packing the board up a bit easier. Of course, a board that comes with an electric pump can be a blessing or a burden, depending upon where you are when inflating.

There are two settings on the board's air valve where the pump hose attaches: the inflate/closed position and the deflate/open position. It's important to twist the valve into the inflate/closed position before attaching the inflation hose. In this position, the valve allows air to inflate the board but prevents the air inside from escaping. When you are finished pumping and take the hose off, you won't lose valuable air pressure.

A few pumps stood out during our testing. The Red Paddle Co and Bluefin boards both come with incredible dual-chamber pumps that provide excellent volume and pressure regulation. The Red Paddle pump also comes with a variety of nozzles, so you can use it with other boards, which we're apt to do since it's so awesome.

Each inflatable SUP we tested takes around five to ten minutes to inflate, depending on paddler strength, size, and pumping effort, with the bigger volume boards taking a little longer. Most pumps have a standard attachment that will work on any board. It's good to check beforehand, though, as on rare occasions, we've found boards that have a specific attachment that won't fit others.

Sadly, most pump gauges either break quickly or are very inaccurate. This is a significant problem for beginners who can't tell inflation pressure by feel. If you are new to inflatable SUPs and your gauge breaks, you will probably only fill it to 5-10 PSI, which is far below the 15 PSI that most boards recommend. There are two solutions:

1) Get a high-pressure inflator valve like the Wakooda Valve Stem. This allows you to use any standard tire pressure gauge to check your pressure.

Not all boards are built the same. The price, weight, and performance of a paddle board are determined by its construction and materials. From the core to the deck pad, every piece of material is taken into consideration while we're testing.

We check the boards upon arrival, during inflation, and after deflation. There are concessions that must be made with all gear. Most often, increased durability means increased weight. We researched what materials are currently being used and compared our experiences using the boards in a variety of locations and conditions. All inflatable paddle boards start with an inner bladder made of drop-stitch fabric. What makes the difference is what gets added or not, as the rest of the board is built. Single-layer, fusion, and dual-layer PVC are the most common forms of construction for the rest of the board. We've compared each and taken into consideration the various types of stringers and techniques companies use to strengthen their boards.

The Bluefin Cruise Carbon and the Red Fin Voyager+MSL are constructed of some of the highest quality materials we've seen. While likely the most durable board we've tested, it is also the heaviest. In comparison, the Thurso Waterwalker and the ROC Scout are well-constructed with lower-end materials. They are both great overall boards, but they may not last as long or survive the same conditions as the better-constructed boards we've tested.

The Bote Breeze and Bote Wulf both have high-quality construction. Both held up when bumped against rocks, and we were impressed with their paddles. While some have well-built boards, their paddles are lacking, like the Advenor. Though the Advenor is a less expensive board, the paddle might need to be upgraded in time, especially for an even better performance. The iRocker All-Around and Tahe Beach also impressed us with their quality. The iRocker has the largest weight capacity at 400 pounds, and the Tahe held up in just about all conditions.

Beyond just picking your favorite board, there are some additional items you'll need for a successful and enjoyable outing. And because SUPs are watercraft, their use is overseen by the US Coast Guard, and there are some general safety guidelines you should follow — both to keep yourself safe and to be sure you're following the law (and avoid getting a ticket!).

If you're not keen on wearing a type 3 PFD, there are pouch-type manually inflated life jackets or C02-triggered inflatable belt-style PFDs available. These PFDs offer more range of movement but keep in mind that if you are paddling somewhere where you might hit your head, you may not be conscious and able to inflate your PFD. Check out the NRS Zephyr. It's manually inflated with a replaceable C02 cartridge.