9 Types of Trampolines Explained | Which One Is Right for You?
Uncover the 9 types of trampolines and select the best one for your backyard. With our expert and honest advice, choosing the right trampoline will be a breeze!
min read
There are quite a few types of trampolines out there—more than you would think.
You don’t want to quickly purchase a trampoline and find out afterward that it wasn’t exactly what you hoped for.
The result is wasted money and feelings of frustration.
We’re going to use our trampoline expertise to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
As a springless trampoline innovator and manufacturer, we have the experience necessary to inform you about all the different types of trampolines.
We will describe the nine most common types of trampolines while providing general price ranges so you can estimate what you would pay for your desired trampoline type.
After explaining each type, we will provide resources for the best trampolines in different categories.
Let's get right to it.
The 9 Common Types of Trampolines
Below we have broken down the typical trampoline types seen across the industry.
They will give you a solid understanding of what’s available as you search for your ideal trampoline.
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Toddler Trampolines
First up on the list is the smallest type of trampoline you can buy, a toddler trampoline.
As the name implies, a toddler trampoline is designed for toddlers, defined as 2-3 years of age by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’re looking for a trampoline for a toddler or child under six years old that can still fit on one, a toddler trampoline is the type of trampoline you should consider.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, no child under six years old should jump on a backyard trampoline.
Arguably, the most popular type of toddler trampoline is Little Tikes Trampolines, but there are plenty of brands that sell trampolines for toddlers.
Price Range: Around $50-$200+
Photo courtesy of Walmart.
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Mini Trampolines (Rebounders)
Sticking with the smaller trampolines, let’s talk about mini trampolines, which can also be referred to as rebounders or exercise trampolines.
Mini trampolines are primarily used for exercising, and due to their size, can be placed inside a small space in your home.
There are many health benefits to trampolines and studies have proven that they are a more effective way to get a workout in than other common home gym equipment, like treadmills.
There are many different sellers of mini-trampolines. The notable ones include JumpSport, Acon and bellicon.
Price Range: $50-$200+
Photo courtesy of GoodRx.
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Backyard Trampolines
Next is a wide-ranging category that will consume the next five spots on this list: Backyard, or outdoor trampolines.
These are probably the ones that likely come to mind when you think of “trampolines.”
At some point, most of us have either had or jumped on a backyard trampoline.
They are the type of trampoline you should look at if you want one that you and your kids can jump on outside.
There are different types of backyard trampolines, and we will use the next four sections to discuss the main ones.
However, there are a variety of shapes you can choose from for a backyard trampoline.
Instead of isolating each of them into their own category, we’ll cover them now to keep this list simple.
Common backyard trampoline shapes include:
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Round
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Oval
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Rectangle
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Square
Price Range: $200-$4,500+
Check out “How Much Does a Trampoline Cost?” to learn more about backyard trampoline pricing.
Photo courtesy of Wayfair.
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Backyard Spring Trampolines
The most common type of backyard trampoline is the spring trampoline. It is the trampoline type many associate with an outdoor trampoline.
You’re probably at least somewhat familiar with what spring-based trampolines look like.
They use metal springs as the system for creating the bounce, and most modern spring trampolines include an enclosure net.
Popular spring trampoline brands include Skywalker, Jumpflex, JumpSport, Acon and Zupapa.
Spring trampolines used to be the only type of outdoor trampoline you could buy, until the next trampoline type was introduced in the early 2000s.
Price Range: Around $200-$3,000+
Photo courtesy of Wayfair.
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Backyard Springless Trampolines
Springless trampolines, created by Springfree Trampoline, were designed as an alternative to the traditional spring trampoline.
Springfree’s goal with its springless trampolines was to create the safest trampoline by removing the springs, a common place for injuries.
They replaced them with flexible composite rods that could not be touched by the jumper.
Along with the replacement of springs, Springfree’s Trampolines include:
- A net that flexes when jumped into
- A frame that is placed underneath the jumping surface
- A mat that eliminates hard edges
- Enclosure rods that replace the metal static trampoline poles that pose an injury hazard.
Springless trampolines have become more common over the years because they are widely considered the safest type of trampoline you can buy.
Springfree Trampoline is the only mainstream brand that exclusively sells springless trampolines, although brands like Vuly and Plum Play have introduced their own versions of springless or “Springsafe” trampolines.
Price Range: Around $800-$4,000+
Read “Spring vs. Springless Trampolines—Which One Is Better?” to learn about the main differences between the two types of backyard trampolines.
Photo courtesy of Springfree.
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Backyard Above Ground Trampolines
The next two types of trampolines involve how you decide to install, or assemble, your backyard trampoline.
The first is the most common and practical of the two -- the above ground trampoline.
All the mainstream trampoline brands discussed in the previous two sections sell above ground trampolines.
Above ground trampolines are backyard trampolines that, as the name suggests, sit above the ground.
They are a common choice among trampoline owners because they are much easier to install than our next trampoline type, inground trampolines.
Price Range: Around $200-$4,000+
Photo courtesy of Springfree.
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Backyard Inground Trampolines
As it sounds like, inground trampolines are backyard trampolines that are installed into the ground.
Installing a trampoline into the ground is a tedious process that will likely require professional landscaping and excavation, at the least.
The cost of inground trampolines can be excessive for some and the process is time-consuming, which is why they are less commonly seen among backyard trampoline owners.
Avyna and TDU Capital Play are two of the main brands that sell inground trampoline kits, which you need to purchase first before you can install one.
While they are not as common as above ground trampolines, inground trampolines do have their benefits.
Check out our article comparing inground trampolines and above ground trampolines to learn the pros and cons of each trampoline type.
Price Range: Around $1,000-$5,000+
Photo courtesy of Trampolines.com.
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Gymnastic Trampolines
The next type of trampoline, while not as common as the previous ones mentioned on this list, has a particular purpose.
The gymnastic trampoline, commonly seen in gymnasiums, is built specifically for gymnastics and tumbling.
Happy Trampoline is a brand that sells larger gymnastics trampolines.
While trampolines built for gymnastics are larger and pricier (especially tumbling trampolines), bigger outdoor trampolines can also be used to practice for competition if you are a competing gymnast.
Check out our Best Gymnastics Trampolines to see some of the big trampolines you can buy for your backyard to practice your moves!
Price Range: Around $500-$10,000+
Photo courtesy of Midwest Training and Ice Center.
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Water Trampolines
The last major type of trampoline on this list is the water trampoline, also called an inflatable trampoline.
There are two prominent types of water trampolines: Traditional water trampolines, which have springs, and bouncers, which do not.
If you’re looking for a trampoline to jump on in the water, then a water trampoline is the category you will want to look at.
Rave Sports, Island Hopper and Aquaglide are some of the notable water trampoline brands.
Price Range: $300-$4,000+
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
What Is the Best Type of Trampoline?
Now that you’ve seen the nine most common types of trampolines, you may be wondering, “Which one is the best?”
There’s no definitive answer here.
Each type of trampoline is built for specific goals and the best one will depend on the category you choose.
While we can’t fully state which type of trampoline is the best, we can direct you to a few resources that might help you narrow your list of trampolines.
Check out our articles below to see some of the best trampolines you can buy this year within different trampoline categories:
The articles above will cover the backyard trampoline types.
However, if you’re looking for the best toddler trampolines, mini trampolines, gymnastics or water trampolines, read through the articles below:
How Do You Choose the Right Trampoline?
Feeling a little overwhelmed after looking at nine different types of trampolines?
We don't blame you. There's a lot to consider.
As you search for your perfect trampoline, we at Springfree Trampoline will be your trusted guide on your journey to better jumping.
In the article below, we have rounded up seven fundamental factors to look for in a trampoline.
If you follow these important considerations, you will be well on your way to finding a trampoline that will provide your family with joyful moments that will last a lifetime.
Read through “What to Look for When Buying a Trampoline” and ensure that you buy the right trampoline the first time!
