| Factor | Squash | Badminton |
|---|---|---|
| Playing object | Rubber ball | Feather shuttlecock |
| Court | Enclosed walls | Open court with net |
| Calorie burn | Very high (top sport) | High |
| Reflex speed | High | Very high (fastest sport) |
| Continuity | Very continuous | Rally + stoppage pattern |
| Joint impact | Moderate | Lower |
| Social/doubles | Singles or doubles | Singles and doubles both popular |
Choose Squash when…
You want the highest calorie burn per session, prefer continuous play with fewer stoppages, enjoy the physical demands of an enclosed court, or want a sport that develops exceptional court movement.
Choose Badminton when…
You prefer an open court, enjoy the fastest shuttle speeds and reflex demands in sport, want a sport with excellent doubles play, prefer lighter physical impact, or want a sport played at all ages.
Gear for both
Dunlop Squash Racket + Balls
Entry package for new squash players — racket and match balls.
Check price on AmazonYonex Badminton Racket
Lightweight badminton racket for intermediate club play.
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FAQ
Which is better exercise — squash or badminton?
Squash burns marginally more calories due to its more continuous nature and the heavier ball requiring more muscular effort. Both are outstanding forms of exercise. The best choice is whichever you enjoy more — consistency matters more than marginal calorie differences.
Which is a better workout — squash or badminton?
Squash typically provides a higher-intensity cardiovascular workout than recreational badminton because the enclosed court with no dead time creates more continuous high-intensity movement. Studies measuring heart rate find squash players often spend more time above 85% max heart rate per session than badminton players. Elite badminton singles, however, can match squash in cardiovascular demand. For most recreational players, squash provides a harder workout in a shorter session.
What equipment do you need to play squash?
You need a squash racket (lighter and smaller-headed than tennis rackets, typically 110–120g), squash balls (yellow dot for beginners in cold conditions; red or blue dot for colder courts; single yellow dot for advanced players in warm conditions), and non-marking court shoes with good lateral support. Eye protection is strongly recommended and mandatory in many competitions — squash has the highest rate of eye injuries of any racket sport.