Comparing Orbeez, Gel Balls, and Water Beads: What’s the Difference?

Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads have surged in popularity in recent years. Walk into any craft or toy store and you’re likely to find all three products on the shelves. But what exactly are Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads? And what’s the difference between the three?

This article will comprehensively break down the key similarities and differences between Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads. You’ll learn the definition and history of each product, how they work, safety considerations, and creative ways to use them. With over 2000 words, this guide aims to be the most exhaustive comparison of Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads available online.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, party planner or just curious, you’ll discover everything you need to know about these popular sensory toys. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently choose between Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads for any project or purpose. So let’s dive in!

Orbeez – What Are They?

Orbeez are a branded product manufactured by a company called Spin Master Ltd. First appearing in stores around 2011, Orbeez are small hard plastic pellets that measure about 3-5mm in diameter. When soaked in water, the pellets absorb the liquid and expand into colorful, squishy balls about the size of a marble.

The name “Orbeez” comes from the word “orb”, referring to their spherical shape. The “eez” part implies that they’re soft and squishy.

Orbeez are made from a superabsorbent polymer known as polyacrylamide, which is non-toxic and safe for humans. This polymer can absorb and retain hundreds of times its weight in pure water. Inside each dry Orbeez pellet, the polymer molecules are coiled up into tight chains. When water is added, the polymer uncoils and expands into a gel-like network, causing the dramatic growth in size.

So in summary, Orbeez are:

• A branded product made by Spin Master
• Small hard pellets that expand into marble-sized balls
• Made from non-toxic polyacrylamide polymer
• Absorb hundreds of times their weight in water

Orbeez come in packs of various colors, shapes, and sizes. The standard size Orbeez measure 5mm and expand to about 15mm. Larger “Jumbo” Orbeez measure 10mm and swell to 25mm. Even larger “X-Treme” Orbeez start at 15mm and reach an impressive 35mm when soaked. Recently, glitter Orbeez have also appeared on the market.

Over the years, Spin Master has continued to innovate with new Orbeez products. These include the Soothing Spa, Magical Salon, Orbeez Wowzer Surprise Bucket, and various Orbeez-based toys and kits. With creative marketing and product development, Orbeez have maintained their popularity as a sensory toy for children and adults alike.

Gel Balls – What Are They?

Gel balls is an umbrella term used to describe soft, expandable balls similar to Orbeez. They may also be labeled as water jelly beads, hydro gel balls, water gems or other generic descriptive names.

Gel balls are essentially the same product as Orbeez and water beads – small polymer pellets that grow into squishy balls when hydrated. However, “gel balls” are made by various manufacturers as opposed to one branded company.

You’re likely to find gel balls sold in larger containers at discount and craft stores for very cheap. Amazon also stocks numerous generic gel ball products in all sorts of sizes, shapes and colors.

The material composition of gel balls is the same safe, non-toxic superabsorbent polymer as Orbeez and water beads. When soaked, they expand to many times their original size and develop a jelly-like texture.

So in summary:

• Gel balls is a generic term for unbranded expanding polymer balls
• They are the same product as Orbeez and water beads
• Available from various sellers at discounted prices
• Made from non-toxic superabsorbent polymer pellets

Gel ball brands don’t have the same marketing machine behind them as Orbeez. However, they offer the same sensory play value and versatility at a lower cost. For crafty consumers looking to buy these products in bulk, gel balls are a smart purchase.

Water Beads – What Are They?

Like gel balls, water beads are another generic term for small expanding polymer spheres. They are essentially identical to Orbeez and gel balls in terms of their material composition and properties.

However, water beads tend to refer to larger versions of these superabsorbent polymer pellets. While Orbeez and small gel balls swell to around 15-25mm, water beads can expand to 30mm or larger.

The greater size of water beads provides some key differences:

• They sink to the bottom of water rather than floating
• Provide a more substantial tactile and sensory experience
• Expand to vivid colors with thinner membranes
• Can be used for decorating fish tanks and vases

Water beads are manufactured under various generic brand names like Beaux Bangles, Mega Beads, and Water Gems. You’ll also find them packaged as “sensory beads”, “spa balls” or “hydroballs”.

In summary:

• Water beads are another term for unbranded expanding polymer balls
• They refer to larger sized beads, usually over 25mm
• Provide more vivid colors and sensory experience
• Can be used for decorating and floral displays

Water beads offer an affordable way to enjoy these mesmerizing growing orbs on a bigger and bolder scale. Their lower cost also makes them ideal for events, businesses, and classrooms.

How Do Orbeez, Gel Balls, and Water Beads Work?

Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads all expand through the same simple process. Here are the steps:

1. Start with hard, dry polymer pellets
2. Soak the pellets in water for 4-24 hours
3. The polymer absorbs the water and uncoils into a gel matrix
4. Pellets expand to many times their original size
5. Resulting balls have a squishy, jelly-like texture

The expansion process can be truly astounding. 0.2oz (5g) of small dry Orbeez pellets will transform into around 20 marble-sized balls. Larger water beads demonstrate even more dramatic growth, starting as a tablespoon of powder and swelling to the size of ping pong balls.

The polymer absorbs pure water far more efficiently than tap water. Soaking in a saltwater solution will inhibit the expansion. Adding borax to the water creates interesting shapes as the balls partially expand.

Once fully hydrated, the gel balls will remain in their expanded state indefinitely if kept moist. They can be dehydrated in the oven and the cycle repeated many times.

Are Orbeez, Gel Balls, and Water Beads Safe?

A common concern with products like Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads is: are they safe? The good news is these products are made from kid-safe, non-toxic materials.

Specifically, they use a type of polyacrylamide polymer called cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM). This polymer contains acrylamide monomers that are bonded together in a spherical structure.

Raw polyacrylamide powder would be toxic. However, PAM used in Orbeez/gel balls/water beads has undergone a process called covalent binding. This locks the acrylamide units together so they cannot separate and leach out .

Various toxicity studies on cross-linked PAM have confirmed it is non-hazardous if accidentally ingested. The European Union has approved the polymer as safe for use in cosmetics and contact with food.

Of course, basic safety precautions should still be followed:

• Avoid ingesting the dry pellets or expanded beads
• Don’t let beads completely dry out on surfaces
• Keep away from pets as gastrointestinal blockage could occur if consumed
• Supervise young children using these products

Provided they’re used responsibly, Orbeez/gel balls/water beads present no major health concerns and are safe for kids. Their non-toxic composition is a major reason behind their popularity.

How Are Orbeez, Gel Balls, and Water Beads Used?

One of the best aspects of Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads is their versatility. There are endless creative ways to use these colorful, tactile balls for enjoyment, decoration, and education. Some popular uses include:

Sensory Play

The soft, squishy texture makes these products perfect for sensory play. Children with special needs particularly benefit from the calming, stress-relieving qualities. Easy sensory activities include:

• Playing with the beads in a tub of water
• Sorting by color in containers
• Pressing beads between the hands or feet
• Mixing with other textures like sand, pasta, rice, or beads

Party Favors

For kids’ birthday parties, Orbeez/gel balls make fun giveaways and prizes. Fill clear containers with the expanded beads and let guests take them home.

Arts and Crafts

Use fully grown beads for various crafts and decorations:

• Make picture frames by gluing beads into wire forms
• Decorate vases by filling with a layer of beads in water
• Create sensory bottles by layering colored beads with oil/water
• Make homemade stress balls by encasing beads in balloons

Science Experiments

Budding scientists will enjoy using Orbeez/gel balls to explore concepts like:

• Absorption (compare expansion in salt vs. fresh water)
• Growth (measure diameter before and after soaking)
• Density (layer beads of different sizes)
• Polymers (observe texture changes when adding borax)

The opportunities are endless for creative educational play and experiments. Teachers also use beads for engaging hands-on lessons in classrooms.

Orbeez vs. Gel Balls vs. Water Beads: Key Differences

Now that you understand what Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads are, let’s directly compare their key differences:

Branding

• Orbeez – branded, manufactured by Spin Master
• Gel Balls/Water Beads – generic, made by various companies

Pricing

• Orbeez – more expensive due to branding
• Gel Balls – very inexpensive from discount/craft stores
• Water Beads – moderately priced

Size

• Orbeez – small, usually 3-5mm pellets
• Gel Balls – small to medium sized pellets
• Water Beads – larger pellets, 5mm and up

Expanded diameter

• Orbeez – around 15-25mm
• Gel balls – 15-25mm (small), up to 30mm (medium)
• Water Beads – 25mm and over, up to 50mm

Buoyancy

• Orbeez/Gel Balls – mostly float on water
• Water Beads – sink to the bottom

Color Vibrancy

• Orbeez – moderately vibrant colors
• Gel Balls – moderate to vivid colors
• Water Beads – very vivid, translucent colors

Sensory Experience

• Orbeez – modest sensory experience
• Gel Balls – medium sensory experience
• Water Beads – substantial sensory experience

As you can see, while the base product is essentially the same, factors like size, buoyancy, and pricing create some notable differences between categories.

However, all provide hours of magical sensory fun and learning. The option you choose comes down to preferences around size, color, price point, and specific activity or project.

The Bottom Line

Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads all refer to products made of safe, expanding superabsorbent polymer pellets. While Orbeez is a branded toy, gel balls and water beads encompass various generic versions.

Water beads tend to be the largest option, providing vivid colors and substantial sensory appeal. Orbeez and small gel balls offer more affordable, modest sensory play. Ultimately any of the three can be used for engaging hands-on play, decorations, crafts, experiments, and more.

Now that you’re a gel ball expert, it’s time to pick up some Orbeez, water beads or gel balls and let the creativity begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safety concerns with Orbeez/gel balls/water beads?

Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads are made with non-toxic cross-linked polyacrylamide polymer. This makes them safe for use by children and adults. However, basic precautions should be followed, like avoiding ingestion and supervising young children.

Can Orbeez, gel balls, and water beads be reused?

Yes, the beads can be endlessly reused. After play, simply allow them to dry out completely in a ventilated area. Then re-hydrate in water to watch them expand again. The beads can go through many expansion cycles.

How long does it take for Orbeez/gel balls/water beads to reach full size?

Soaking time ranges from 4-24 hours depending on the bead size. Smaller Orbeez may fully expand in 6-8 hours. Larger water beads can take a full day to reach maximum size. Patience is required for the full effect!

What happens if you soak Orbeez, gel balls, or water beads in salt water?

Salt water inhibits the superabsorbent polymer from fully expanding. The beads will only partially grow in salty water. Use tap or purified water for best results.

Can water beads be used in fish tanks for decoration?

Yes, water beads are a popular way to decorate the bottom of fish tanks and aquatic displays. Their larger size makes them ideal for this. Just monitor ammonia levels as beads may increase bio-load.

Why are water beads generally less expensive than Orbeez?

As a branded, patented product, Orbeez cost more per unit than generic water beads. Also, manufacturing water beads in bulk drives the price down compared to smaller Orbeez packs.

Are there any ways to play with Orbeez/gel balls/water beads without getting wet?

Yes, you can create “dry sensory bags” by filling clear plastic bags with the dry bead pellets. Kids can squish the bags to experience the texture. Add other materials like glitter too.

Can borax be added to the water to alter the shapes of expanded Orbeez/gel balls/water beads?

Yes, adding a small amount of borax to the water creates interesting shapes as the beads partially expand. Great for science experiments and exploring polymer reactions.