PuttOut AirBreak vs. BirdieBall Putting Mat: Who Wins?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. 

If you want to lower your scores fast, start with your putting.

It’s the most used club in your bag, yet most golfers don’t practice it enough—or they practice it without any real structure. That’s why putting mats are such a game changer.

You can get in consistent reps at home, build confidence, and actually improve your stroke without needing to be at the course.

The problem? There are a ton of options out there.

In this guide, I’m going to compare two of the most popular, the PuttOUT AirBreak vs. the BirdieBall Putting Green. Let’s break them down so you can decide which one is right for your game.

PuttOut vs. BirdieBall Putting Green

Before we get into the details, let’s keep it simple. Putting is one of the fastest ways to lower your scores.

You don’t need a new swing or more distance. You need fewer 3-putts and more confidence on the greens.

The problem is most golfers don’t practice putting enough. And when they do, it’s usually not very intentional.

That’s where a putting mat makes a big difference. Even 5–10 minutes a day can help you improve fast.

You can build better speed control and a more consistent stroke. You’ll also gain confidence from short range.

I’ve tested a lot of putting mats over the years. And not all of them are created equal.

Some are built for realistic roll and feel. Others are built more for training and feedback.

Let's start with the revolutionary design of the PuttOut. 

PuttOut AirBreak Overview 

The PuttOUT AirBreak is built for one thing most putting mats can’t offer—practicing breaking putts at home. Instead of only hitting straight putts, you can adjust the platform to create different slopes, which adds a much more realistic element to your practice.

What I like most is how it helps you go beyond just working on your stroke. You’re training speed, start line, and green reading all at once, which is much closer to what you actually face on the course.

It’s also designed to make practice easy and efficient. The setup is simple, the ball return keeps things moving, and it gives you a way to create more challenging reps without needing to be on a real green.

Pros

• Automatic ball return
• Built for training, not just rolling putts
• Adds variety and challenge to your practice
• Adjustable slopes for more realistic practice sessions 
• Can practice breaking putts (big advantage over most mats)

Cons

• More focused on training than pure feel
• Takes up more space than a traditional mat
• Platform can feel different from a real stance
• Higher price than basic putting mats (but also lets you practice like most won't)

👉 Read my full PuttOUT AirBreak review here to learn more. And if you're ready to get started with the PuttOUT AirBreak putting mat, make sure to use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15% (the biggest PuttOut discount you'll find anywhere)! 

Birdie Ball Putting Green Overview

BirdieBall is designed to replicate the feel of a real putting green at home, with a focus on speed and roll. It’s more of a “mini green” than a traditional putting mat, which can be appealing if you want something that looks and feels closer to being on the course.

That said, I wasn’t as impressed with it compared to other options I’ve tested. While the concept is solid, the overall experience didn’t quite match the consistency or quality I was expecting—especially at the price point.

It can still be useful for getting reps in and working on speed, but there are better options if you’re looking for either true realism or more structured training.

Pros

• Multiple sizes
• Good for general putting reps
• Can add logo for customization
• Can add slope with the accessories
• Larger surface area for more variety

Cons

• Foam isn't realistic 
• More expensive for what you get
• Setup and customization can be a hassle
• Lacks built-in training features or feedback
• Not as effective for structured practice

👉 Read my BirdieBall putting mat review to learn more.

The Clear Winner and Alternative Putting Mat

If I had to pick one between these two, I’d go withPuttOUT AirBreak. The ability to practice breaking putts at home is a huge advantage.  

Most golfers never train this part of their game, and it shows on the course. If you want to improve your feel, green reading, and overall putting performance, this gives you a much better setup to do it. Plus, you can choose from the PuttOUT AirBreak or AirBreak Max if you have more space. 

Alternative Putting Mat

If you’re not as focused on breaking putts and want something that feels more like a real green, PrimePutt is a great alternative. It’s simple, high quality, and one of the best options for building a consistent stroke and improving speed control with a realistic roll.

Like PuttOut, PrimePutt isn’t a cheap putting green that feels like you’re on the golf course. Not to mention, it rolls up easily for storage. 

You can read my full PuttView review here or watch the YouTube video below to learn more. 

My Experience 

Good players work on their putting… a lot. Let me ask, how often are you?

If you’re not at the handicap you want yet, make sure you aren’t neglecting your putting. And having an indoor mat makes it so much easier to stay consistent, especially when you pair it with the right training aids.

I like using putting aids like the WhyGolf Putting Thing to work on start line and build a repeatable stroke. Combine that with consistent reps at home, and you’ll start seeing results quickly.

Closing Thoughts 

If you’re serious about improving your putting, go with:

👉 PuttOUT AirBreak (for training + breaking putts)
👉 PrimePutt (for feel + easy storage on a wicked good roll)

I’d pass on the BirdieBall putting mat for the reasons above. The foam doesn’t feel very realistic, the roll isn’t as true, and it’s harder to store. On top of that, it’s expensive for what you get, especially when there are better options available.

Pick one of the top options, stay consistent, and your putting will improve fast. That’s one of the easiest ways to lower your scores.