If you can only buy one backyard game, which should it be? Cornhole is the established classic. KanJam is the frisbee-based upstart. Spikeball is the athletic newcomer that blew up after Shark Tank. All three are excellent games — but they’re designed for very different vibes, very different groups, and very different energy levels.
This isn’t a review of specific products. It’s a head-to-head comparison of the games themselves, so you can figure out which one (or which combination) is right for how you actually play.
The Quick Comparison
| Factor | Cornhole | KanJam | Spikeball |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | 30 seconds | 2 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Physical Demand | Very low | Low-moderate | High |
| Players | 2-4 | 4 (2v2) | 4 (2v2) |
| Space Needed | ~35 feet | ~50 feet | ~20×20 feet |
| Portability | Heavy (30-40 lbs) | Light (~6 lbs) | Very light (~3 lbs) |
| Drink-Friendly | Yes (one-handed) | Partially (need both hands to redirect) | No (very active) |
| Age Range | All ages | Teens to adults | Teens to 30s mostly |
| Competitive Depth | High | Moderate | Very high |
| Cost | $70-$150 | ~$40 | ~$60 |
| Best Vibe | Social & relaxed | Team energy | Athletic & intense |
| Setup Time | Under 1 minute | Under 1 minute | 1-2 minutes |
Cornhole: The Reliable Classic
What it is: Two boards, eight bags, throw them in the hole. You know this game.
What it does best: Cornhole is the most inclusive backyard game available. Kids, adults, seniors, athletes, non-athletes — literally everyone can play and have fun. The pace is slow enough for conversation, you can hold a drink while playing, and games flow naturally with easy player rotation.
Cornhole also has the most competitive depth of the three. Between sliding, blocking, airmails, and push shots, skilled players can develop strategies that keep the game interesting for years. There’s a reason cornhole has a professional league on ESPN.
Where it falls short: Portability. A regulation cornhole set weighs 30-40+ pounds and takes up most of your trunk. It’s not the game you casually throw in a backpack for a beach trip. Tailgate-size sets help, but they sacrifice the full playing experience.
Best for: BBQs, tailgates, family gatherings, house parties, league play, literally any group of any age. If you’re buying one backyard game for life, this is it.
Get started: Check our Best Cornhole Sets for 2025 for our full recommendations.
KanJam: The Team Energy Machine
What it is: Two teams of two, a frisbee, and two open-top cans set 50 feet apart. One teammate throws the disc while the other stands by the opposing can and redirects it — slapping it in for points or, for instant victory, getting it through the slot.
What it does best: KanJam generates more team energy per square foot than any other backyard game. The redirect mechanic means every throw is a team play. You’re working together, celebrating saves, groaning at near-misses, and absolutely losing your mind when someone slots it for the instant win. The emotional highs are unmatched.
KanJam is also incredibly portable. The two cans nest inside each other, the frisbee sits on top, and the whole thing weighs about 6 pounds. It fits in a backpack. Setup takes 30 seconds.
Where it falls short: It strictly requires 4 players — no more, no less (without awkward rotation). It’s not great for large groups because only 4 people play at a time and there’s no natural spectator engagement like cornhole or Giant Jenga. The frisbee throwing skill varies wildly between people, so beginners can feel outmatched quickly.
Best for: Groups of exactly 4 competitive friends. Beach trips. Camping. College-age and 20s-30s crowds. Tailgating when you want something light and fast-paced.
Spikeball: The Athletic Showdown
What it is: Two teams of two, a small ball, and a round trampoline-style net at ankle height. Teams alternate spiking the ball off the net. You get up to 3 touches (like volleyball’s bump-set-spike) before returning it. Once the ball is served, players move 360 degrees around the net. The result is fast, athletic, and often spectacular.
What it does best: Spikeball is the most physically exciting backyard game available. Diving saves, spike kills, strategic placement — it’s a genuine sport disguised as a lawn game. When four athletic players get into a rhythm, the rallies are incredible to watch. It also has the deepest competitive scene of any modern backyard game, with an actual tournament circuit (the Spikeball Roundnet Association).
Portability is excellent too — the entire set fits in a drawstring bag and weighs about 3 pounds. You can bring it literally anywhere.
Where it falls short: The learning curve is real. New players whiff constantly, and the game isn’t fun until everyone has at least a basic ability to return the ball. It’s physically demanding — you’re running, diving, and bending the entire time. Older players, less athletic players, and anyone who doesn’t want to work up a serious sweat will sit this one out. And it’s impossible to play with a drink in hand.
Best for: Athletic friend groups in their teens through 30s. Beach days. Anyone who wants a genuine workout disguised as a game. College campuses and active crowds.
Which Game Should You Buy?
Here’s the honest advice based on who you are:
Buy cornhole if…
- You play with mixed-age groups (kids, adults, grandparents)
- You want a game that works at every event
- You enjoy competitive depth and getting better over time
- You host parties where the vibe is social and relaxed
- You can only buy one game
Buy KanJam if…
- You have a regular group of 4 friends who play together
- Portability is your top priority
- You love team-based competition with a partner
- You want something different from the “standard” backyard games
- You play at the beach or go camping often
Buy Spikeball if…
- Your crew is young, athletic, and competitive
- You want a genuine workout while playing
- You’re bored with traditional tossing games
- You play on the beach or in open grass regularly
- You’ve played volleyball and want that same energy in a portable game
Buy all three if…
- You want the ultimate backyard game arsenal. Cornhole for the chill crowd, KanJam for the team-energy seekers, and Spikeball for the athletes. Three games, three vibes, every group covered. Total investment: about $170-$250.
Can You Combine Them at One Party?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. The best parties have multiple game options running simultaneously. Here’s how the three work together:
Cornhole becomes the home base game — it’s always going, people rotate in and out, and it anchors the social area near the food and drinks.
KanJam runs as the secondary game for the more competitive crew who want something faster-paced. Set it up in a separate area so the frisbees don’t interfere with other games.
Spikeball becomes the “athletic corner” for the friends who want to move. It draws a crowd of spectators even among people who don’t want to play.
This three-game setup covers every energy level and personality type at your party. Nobody’s standing around bored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spikeball harder than cornhole? Yes, significantly. Cornhole can be played by anyone within 30 seconds of learning the rules. Spikeball requires coordination, agility, and practice to become even basically competent. If your group includes non-athletic players or a wide age range, cornhole is the better choice.
Can you play KanJam with 2 people? Technically yes — you can throw at the can without a partner redirecting. But the redirect mechanic is what makes KanJam special. With just 2 players, you lose the best part of the game. We’d recommend cornhole for 2-player situations instead.
Which game is most portable? Spikeball (3 lbs in a drawstring bag) is the lightest, followed by KanJam (6 lbs, cans nest together). Cornhole is the heaviest at 30-40+ lbs for a regulation set. If portability is your deciding factor, Spikeball or KanJam wins easily.
Which game works best for tailgating? Cornhole is the tailgate king — it works in any space, accommodates rotating players, and pairs with drinking. KanJam is a solid tailgate alternative if you need lighter gear. Spikeball needs more open space than most parking lots provide.
Can kids play all three games? Kids can play cornhole at any age. KanJam works for kids 10+ who can throw a frisbee. Spikeball is best for teens and up due to the coordination required. For mixed-age parties, cornhole is the universal pick.
Want to see all of our backyard game guides? Visit our Backyard Games hub for reviews of bocce, horseshoes, ladder toss, tailgate games, and more.
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