✅ The 6 Key Categories When Buying a Trampoline (2025 Edition)

Written by Joey Staton — “Jumpy Joey”
Owner of Jumpy Joey Trampolines & Turf 
​
👋 A Personal Note Before You Buy
As someone who grew up on trampolines and now has five kids — including a 9-year-old who still jumps daily — I’ve lived the trampoline life from every angle.
Over the years, I’ve personally owned more than a dozen trampolines, from basic rounds to premium rectangles. In November 2024, we made the switch from a 10x17 AlleyOOP rectangle to a 12x17 Akrobat inground trampoline, and since then, our usage has skyrocketed. It fits our needs perfectly.
Even in my late 40s, I’m still out there jumping — not just because I love it, but because I believe it’s important to stay familiar with today’s products so I can give my customers the best, most informed advice. I often joke that most of my future customers haven’t even been born yet, but I plan to be ready for them.
People often ask me, “What’s the best trampoline?” Honestly, I don’t have just one favorite. I appreciate different brands for different reasons — because every family, yard, and set of needs is different.
That’s exactly why I created this guide — to help you confidently find the trampoline that’s right for your family.
🔹 1. Trampoline Shape
The shape you choose affects performance, safety, and how it fits in your yard.
  • Round – The most common and usually most affordable. Ideal for younger kids and casual use. Bounce is directed toward the center.
  • Rectangle – Found in gymnastics and trampoline parks. Offers higher, more controlled bounce. Ideal for athletes, but typically higher priced.
  • Square – A hybrid of round and rectangle. Bounce depends heavily on brand quality. Some squares sag in the middle over time.
  • Oval – Often just stretched versions of round trampolines. Tends to offer uneven bounce and less spring support.
  • Octagon – Bouncy and unique, but harder to find. A mix of rectangle energy with round spacing.
🧠 Pro Tip: Premium brands like Acon, AlleyOOP, Avyna, Berg, North, and Texas Trampolines mount their netting outside the frame, giving you more usable jumping space, a place for other kids to rest, and improved safety.
🔒 2. Safety & Longevity
Trampolines have come a long way in safety design. While they’ve historically had a bad rep, they’re not nearly as dangerous as many contact sports when used responsibly.
  • One jumper at a time is still the golden rule.
  • Cheap trampolines tend to become unsafe over time — not necessarily on day one.
  • Spend less than $400? Expect early wear, stretching mats, bent frames, and frayed nets.
🔩 Key materials to watch: Jump mat, springs, netting, padding, and foam sleeves over the poles.
💡 Reminder: Better brands often have multi-year warranties and real resale value.
📏 3. Trampoline Size
After shape, size is the next big decision. Most families end up saying: “I wish we’d gone bigger.”
Size is measured by the frame dimensions, not the jumping area:
  • Round = diameter (e.g., 14' Round)
  • Rectangle = length x width (e.g., 10' x 17')
🟢 Top Sizes We Install:
  • 10’ x 17’ Rectangle – Regulation size, great bounce
  • 9’ x 15’ Rectangle – Fits tighter spaces
  • 14’–15’ Round – Most common backyard option
  • 12’ Round – Great for younger kids or smaller yards
Again, outside-frame netting from higher-end brands can make a trampoline feel much larger and safer.
💰 4. Trampoline Budget
This can be the dealbreaker — but it doesn’t have to be.
  • Cheap ($200–$400): Limited lifespan, weaker materials, often imported to hit a price point.
  • Mid-range ($700–$1,200): Better materials, stronger frames, longer warranties, safer for long-term use.
  • Premium ($1,200+): Built to last for over a decade, often with excellent resale value and professional-grade bounce.
⛔ Common cheap brands: Skywalker, BouncePro, JumpPower, SportsPower, Zupapa, Jumpzylla, Propel, brands you cannot pronounce on Amazon
✅ Higher-end brands we recommend and carry:
Acon, Akrobat, AlleyOOP, Avyna, Berg, Capital Play, JumpSport, North, Springfree, Texas Trampolines, and more.
🛠️ 5. Installation Type
This category matters more than ever.
  • Above Ground – Most common, portable, typically easier to set up. Ability to anchor to the ground for wind & storm protection.
  • Inground – More seamless and safe for many families. No ladders, easier access, and more frequently used by all ages.
🧱 We offer full turn-key inground installs, including drainage, weed barrier, gravel, and custom leveling. We also sell the units if you have your own contractor.
🧠 6. Smart Buyer Tips (Modern Considerations)
  • Turf Integration – Many families now install turf around their trampoline for a clean, mud-free play area.
  • Drainage Planning – Inground trampolines should include water management. We install sump pumps to prevent pooling.
  • Rest Zones – Look for models with netting that allows safe “waiting spots” for siblings or friends.
  • Resale Value – A cheap trampoline loses value fast. A high-quality trampoline can be resold years later.
  • Aesthetics – Trampolines are becoming part of a yard’s design. Black frames, inground setups, and turf trim look polished and upscale.
  • Accessories – Consider LED lights, ladders, shade covers, and enclosure nets (some models include these, others don’t).
  • Warranty & Support – Brands like Acon, Akrobat, AlleyOOP, Avyna, Springfree, and North offer strong warranties and parts support — key for long-term peace of mind.
Want Personalized Help?
📱 Text or call me at (214) 930-3109. I’ll help you find the right trampoline for your yard, your kids, and your budget.

Most Popular Trampolines

Prices shown are without assembly

$300 Range – Skywalker 15' Round Trampoline with Enclosure

Let’s start with a low priced trampoline — the Skywalker 15' Round. Why? Because this guide is meant to be helpful, not pushy.

Skywalker’s 15' model is the most popular round trampoline in America, largely due to its price point. It’s a mass-produced unit that outperforms most big box store brands, and assembly is relatively simple compared to other models.

However, it has some trade-offs. The bounce is modest, due to smaller springs. The netting runs to the edge of the jumping surface, meaning the outer padding is mostly for show — except for the entry point. You’re working with about a 13' true jumping area.

Skywalker also makes 14' and 12' versions, but in my experience, their quality tends to drop below the standard of their more widely sold 15' version.

$600 Range – Skywalker 9'x15' Rectangle Trampoline with Enclosure

If you're looking for the most budget-friendly rectangular trampoline, the Skywalker 9'x15' is a common choice — especially for narrow yards where space is limited.

It’s a step above their 8'x14' version, and more popular in my experience. However, there are some things to keep in mind. It typically ships in three large, heavy boxes, which are often beat up during delivery — leading to torn packaging and sometimes missing hardware.

The assembly process involves a lot of nuts and bolts and tends to be time-consuming, especially for first-timers. Once it’s up, the bounce tends to underwhelm, particularly for kids expecting more spring. The netting also goes right to the edge of the frame, meaning the outer safety pads don’t serve much purpose except at the entryway.

Usable jumping space is roughly 7'x12', so it's smaller than the frame size suggests. Just know what you're getting into — it's affordable, but comes with compromises.

$1,399 – Acon Air 15' Round Trampoline with Enclosure

The 15' Acon Air Round Trampoline with Standard Enclosure Net is an excellent choice for families looking for a high-end trampoline without the high-end price tag. Known for quality, safety, and clean design, this model is a favorite among parents and kids alike.

One standout feature is the standard enclosure netting, which attaches outside the frame — giving jumpers full use of the padded frame edge as a sitting or resting area. This design provides more usable space and keeps kids safely away from the net walls during play.

Built with a sturdy black powder-coated frame and heavy-duty springs, the Acon delivers a deep, responsive bounce perfect for both beginners and seasoned jumpers. The 15' diameter offers a large jumping surface, making it a great option for families with multiple kids or frequent visitors.

It’s a well-balanced trampoline — combining durability, performance, and thoughtful design at a very competitive price point. A solid investment for years of backyard fun.

Available in sizes 15', 14', 12', and 10', with and without enclosures, including Premium enclosure nets that end at the edge of the jumping surface.

$2,499 – Acon Air 16 Sport HD Trampoline Package

The Acon Air 16 Sport HD is one of the most popular premium rectangle trampolines on the market — built for big bounce, long life, and serious fun. Although the name says “16,” this trampoline actually measures approximately 10’ x 17’, giving it the same footprint as regulation-size gym trampolines.

With heavy-duty frame construction, long-lasting padding, and top-tier springs, the 16 Sport HD is ideal for families, teens, and adult jumpers alike. The enclosure net is securely designed and sits just outside the jumping surface, keeping safety and full bounce range top of mind.

Also available is the 13 Sport HD — a slightly smaller model at 8.5’ x 13.5’, great for tighter yard spaces while still delivering elite-level performance.

Looking for even more power? Performance versions of both models are also offered at a higher price point, engineered for advanced athletes and those wanting maximum airtime.

The Acon Air Sport HD series combines sleek design, serious bounce, and rock-solid quality — making it a top-tier choice for your backyard.

$3,999 – Acon X Rectangle Trampoline with Enclosure & Ladder

The Acon X is a top-tier rectangle trampoline engineered for elite bounce performance and premium backyard aesthetics. Whether you're training flips, chasing air, or just want the best of the best — this one delivers.

Available in sleek Black or modern Gray, the Acon X is packed with customization options and built from the ground up for power, style, and durability. The heavy-duty frame, thick padding, and oversized springs work together to create a responsive, gym-quality bounce experience.

Its smart enclosure design places the net outside the frame, giving jumpers the full use of the padded surface for resting or standing off to the side. This creates a roomier, more versatile space for multiple jumpers — and adds a strong layer of safety.

Designed for serious use and years of enjoyment, the Acon X stands as one of the most customizable and performance-driven trampolines on the market today. It even comes with a matching ladder for easy access right out of the box.

$1,799 – AlleyOOP 14' VariableBounce Trampoline with Enclosure

The most popular round trampoline from AlleyOOP, the 14' VariableBounce is built for families who want performance, safety, and long-term durability all in one package.

It features a sleek green powder-coated frame with matching thick green padding that complements any backyard setting. Like all AlleyOOP models, it includes their signature high-grade enclosure system with an overlapping entry and ultra-durable netting that extends outside the frame — maximizing usable space and allowing kids to sit or rest on the padding safely.

The bounce is smooth, responsive, and highly praised by families who choose this model. Plus, its open-weave net design helps reduce wind resistance, keeping it more grounded in stormy weather.

Want even more spring? A PowerBounce upgrade is available for both the 12' and 14' versions, adding a second layer of springs for extra height and performance.

$2,399 – AlleyOOP 14' DoubleBounce Trampoline with Enclosure

Meet the Big Boy of round trampolines. The 14' DoubleBounce from AlleyOOP is in a league of its own — built with premium materials and loaded with patented features that set it apart from anything else on the market.

What makes it unique? It uses two jumping surfaces separated by an 8" air cushion, creating a softer and more controlled bounce. This reduces impact without sacrificing height — a major win for active kids, teens, and YouTube tricksters alike.

It scores top marks in safety, performance, and durability, making it a favorite among families who want the best of the best. For even more bounce, there’s also a DoubleBounce PowerBounce model available, which adds a second layer of springs to the two-mat system.

$2,899 – AlleyOOP 10'x17' Rectangle Trampoline with Enclosure

If you’re looking for top-tier performance, AlleyOOP delivers. I have personally had this model in my own backyard, before we went inground. The 10'x17' size is massive, and the bounce is incredible — thanks to its long, high-quality springs.

The green powder-coated frame and thick matching padding give it a polished look that blends great with any yard. The enclosure system is one of the best on the market. Instead of a zippered entry that kids often forget to close, it uses an overlapping design for easy, secure access.

What really sets this trampoline apart is that the netting extends outside the frame, allowing kids to use the thick padding as a safe resting spot. I do wish that included the corners as well. This increases the overall jumping space and eliminates that cramped, boxed-in feel.

Kids who watch YouTube trampoline channels already know this brand. It’s popular for a reason — and for even more bounce, there’s also a PowerBounce upgrade available with an extra layer of springs mainly geared to the active teenagers.

$2,399 – Springfree 13' Jumbo Square Trampoline with Enclosure

Springfree is a name I get asked about a lot — and for good reason. Their marketing is everywhere, and they’ve done a solid job positioning themselves as a “safer” trampoline by removing springs altogether.

That said, I’m not fully convinced the high price tag is justified. Springfree claims springs are the primary cause of trampoline injuries, but in my experience, it’s more often horseplay and lack of supervision. Most high-end trampolines already protect jumpers from spring contact by having the net go to the edge of the jumping surface.

Now to the build — yes, they use quality materials. But when it comes to bounce, Springfree tends to underperform compared to traditional premium trampolines. The net curves inward in an hourglass shape, which reduces usable jumping space and makes edge bouncing awkward or uncomfortable. With more than one child inside, kids are constantly bouncing into each other, with no place to stand or rest safely.

Springfree recommends one jumper at a time — and while that’s a good policy in theory, it’s rarely followed in practice. Bottom line: it’s well-made, but you're paying more for the concept than the experience in many cases.

I have often recommended this brand for small jumpers, and I commonly call it a glorified bouncehouse....but still one of the coolest looking ones around.