PrimePutt vs. BirdieBall: Best Indoor Putting Green?

If you're serious about lowering your scores, there’s no excuse to not practice putting at home. The problem? Most indoor putting mats feel more like cheap carpets than real greens—and they don’t help you build confidence on the course.

That’s where premium indoor putting greens like PrimePutt and BirdieBall come in. These aren’t gimmicks or glorified rugs. They’re designed to simulate true roll, proper green speed, and even realistic breaks so you can actually train instead of just casually tapping balls.

I’ve tested both firsthand, and each has its strengths. In this post, I’ll break down how they compare in terms of feel, setup, durability, design, and whether they’re actually worth the investment if you’re serious about building a reliable putting stroke from home.

PrimePutt vs. BirdieBall 

You could have the best stroke in the world, but if you’re practicing on slow, bumpy, or unrealistic surfaces, you’re training bad habits. What you practice is what you reinforce—and that’s especially true with putting.

The right indoor green should help you:

• Train start line control and speed
• Build confidence with short putts
• Simulate real course-like pressure
  
• Pair with putting aids to help build better habits 

This is why most cheap roll-up mats fall short. They may help you pass the time, but they don’t develop the skills you need under pressure.

Both PrimePutt and BirdieBall are built to change that—just in very different ways. Let’s break down the key differences.

PrimePutt: The Most Realistic Indoor Putting Mat 

If you're looking for the most realistic indoor putting experience available, PrimePutt is in a league of its own. What sets it apart immediately is the true-roll surface—it’s fast, smooth, and designed to mimic real green speeds (about 10–11 on the stimpmeter). You’re not guessing how hard to hit a 6-footer. The feedback you get is legit, and the ball rolls exactly how it would on a quality golf course.

The cup system is another game-changer. Unlike mats that rely on foam ramps or raised holes, PrimePutt uses a flush, tour-inspired cup design that lets you hear and feel the ball drop—just like on the course. Plus, it automatically returns the ball back to you, so you can focus on putting, not chasing balls around your living room.

What I really appreciate is how clean and pro-level the setup feels. No gimmicks, no noise, just a sleek, portable green that fits perfectly in your home or office.

It’s built for serious players who want to train short putts with intensity and purpose. If you’re aiming to build putting confidence year-round and actually enjoy practicing, PrimePutt (Full review) is hands down the best option I’ve tested.

✅ Pros:

• True-roll surface that mimics real green speeds (10–11 stimpmeter)
• Flush cup design that feels like a real hole (no foam ramps or gimmicks)
• Ball return system keeps practice efficient and realistic
• Durable, clean look that fits seamlessly into any room
• Designed for serious players, not casual users
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Premium price point
• No built-in break or slope (flat surface only)
• Slightly heavier and bulkier than roll-up mats (but more realistic)

Already want to start rolling putts on PrimePutt? Use the code “WICKEDSMART” to save 10% on your indoor putting green. 

BirdieBall Indoor Mat Overview

BirdieBall has made a name for itself in the indoor putting world thanks to its customization options—you can choose the length, add cup reducers, order built-in breaks, and even add bumpers to keep your ball on the mat. It’s a fun setup that gives you more “toys” to experiment with. And for casual golfers or families looking for a putting game, it definitely has entertainment value.

But when it comes to realism, it just doesn’t stack up. The surface rolls way too fast—it feels more like a putting contest at a golf expo than a green you'd actually face at your local course.

It’s easily a 12+ on the stimpmeter, which might sound great… until you blow putts past the hole and start reinforcing bad habits. Not to mention, very few courses have that slick of green surfaces. 

Add to that the foam construction, which feels soft and bouncy, and you end up with a surface that’s inconsistent and tough to trust for serious reps.

The cups are shallow (they do have a new option to help with that), and the overall feel of the mat is more playful than performance-focused. It’s light, portable, and affordable—but it doesn’t give you that “tour-level” feedback you need to dial in your stroke and build confidence inside six feet.

For the price, it’s not a terrible option—but if you’re a serious player who cares about the details, PrimePutt is in a different league. You can check out my full BirdieBall review as well. 

✅ Pros:

• Multiple length and width options to fit different rooms
• Customizable with breaks, bumpers, and cup reducers
• Lightweight and easy to move or store
• Fun for casual practice or family use
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Rolls too fast—estimated 12+ on stimpmeter = unrealistic pace
• Foam surface feels soft and lacks consistent feedback
• Shallow cups reduce the satisfaction and realism of made putts
• Build quality feels more like a toy than a serious training aid

❓Top Questions

Which mat is better for serious putting practice?

PrimePutt. The surface speed, cup design, and overall build quality are designed for real training, not just casual use.

Is BirdieBall better for kids or families?

Yes—if you want something light, fun, and customizable for indoor putting games or informal practice, BirdieBall is a good fit.

What speed does PrimePutt roll at?

Roughly 10–11 on the stimpmeter, which is comparable to many country club greens. It gives you realistic feedback on pace and break.

Why is speed so important with indoor putting mats?

Speed affects how much a putt breaks and how confident you feel at setup. Practicing on a mat that’s too fast (like BirdieBall’s ~12+) can lead to poor habits with distance control.

Does either mat offer slope or break?

BirdieBall offers built-in slope options and foam break inserts. PrimePutt is a flat surface only—perfect for building start line and speed control. Check out the PuttOut Airbreak if you want a putting green with slope. 

Closing Thoughts on BirdieBall vs. PrimePutt 

If you’re just looking for a fun way to roll a few putts with friends or your kids, BirdieBall can be a decent entry-level option. It’s customizable, portable, and has a few clever features for casual use.

But if you’re a serious golfer who actually wants to get better on the greens, PrimePutt is the clear winner. From the true-roll surface to the tour-inspired cup system, everything about it is designed to help you train with purpose—not just pass the time. It feels like real golf, and that’s what makes it worth the investment.

You get what you pay for—and if you’re chasing lower scores, you want something that builds confidence, not bad habits. Check out PrimePutt and use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10% on your investment.