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Balloons (Helium)

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Balloons (Helium)

Nothing says celebration like things floating overhead. We compared helium balloons from foil character to latex bunches to balloon archesβ€”finding what floats longest and actually looks good.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Giant Foil Number Balloons

Anagram

Giant Foil Number Balloons

4.7 (28,934 reviews)

The giant age numbers that make photos immediately recognizable. "How old are you now?" is answered by the balloon behind them. Self-sealing valve makes inflation easy.

Height

34 inches

Material

Foil/Mylar

Float Time

2+ weeks

Filling

Helium

Pros

  • βœ“ Self-sealing
  • βœ“ Stays inflated 2+ weeks
  • βœ“ Giant impact

Cons

  • βœ— Needs helium
  • βœ— Single number per balloon
  • βœ— Storage awkward

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Giant Foil Number Balloons
Giant Foil Number Balloons Best
Anagram
4.7
$12 View
Premium Latex Balloons
Premium Latex Balloons
Qualatex
4.6
$15 View
Self-Sealing Party Balloons
Self-Sealing Party Balloons Value
Bunch O Balloons
4.5
$20 View
Helium Tank Kit
Helium Tank Kit
Balloon Time
4.4
$55 View
Confetti Filled Balloons
Confetti Filled Balloons
GuassLee
4.3
$10 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Giant Foil Number Balloons

Anagram

Giant Foil Number Balloons

4.7 (28,934 reviews)

The giant age numbers that make photos immediately recognizable. "How old are you now?" is answered by the balloon behind them. Self-sealing valve makes inflation easy.

Height

34 inches

Material

Foil/Mylar

Float Time

2+ weeks

Filling

Helium

Pros

  • βœ“ Self-sealing
  • βœ“ Stays inflated 2+ weeks
  • βœ“ Giant impact

Cons

  • βœ— Needs helium
  • βœ— Single number per balloon
  • βœ— Storage awkward
Premium Pick
Premium Latex Balloons

Qualatex

Premium Latex Balloons

4.6 (15,678 reviews)

The balloons party rental companies use. More even sizing, consistent colors, and longer float than dollar store options. Worth it for events that matter.

Count

100

Size

11 inches

Material

Premium latex

Float Time

12-18 hours

Pros

  • βœ“ Professional quality
  • βœ“ Even inflation
  • βœ“ Long float time

Cons

  • βœ— Still pop eventually
  • βœ— Need Hi-Float for longevity
  • βœ— More expensive than basic
Best Value
Self-Sealing Party Balloons

Bunch O Balloons

Self-Sealing Party Balloons

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

Self-tying balloons that seal when you remove the nozzle. No more fumbling with knots while balloons slowly deflate. Includes attached ribbons.

Count

40

Feature

Self-sealing/tying

Ribbons

Pre-attached

System

Proprietary

Pros

  • βœ“ Self-tying
  • βœ“ Quick filling
  • βœ“ No knot frustration

Cons

  • βœ— Only works with their pump
  • βœ— More expensive per balloon
  • βœ— Pump sold separately
Helium Tank Kit

Balloon Time

Helium Tank Kit

4.4 (45,678 reviews)

Skip the party store trip. Tank includes enough helium for 50 balloons, plus the balloons and ribbon. Fill balloons the morning of for maximum float time.

Fills

50 9-inch balloons

Includes

50 latex balloons + ribbon

Tank

Disposable

Size

Standard

Pros

  • βœ“ Inflate at home
  • βœ“ Includes balloons
  • βœ“ Convenient

Cons

  • βœ— Single use tank
  • βœ— Limited capacity
  • βœ— Disposal hassle
Budget Pick
Confetti Filled Balloons

GuassLee

Confetti Filled Balloons

4.3 (34,567 reviews)

Clear balloons with metallic confetti inside catch light beautifully. Static from rubbing makes confetti stick to sides. Instagram staple.

Count

24

Size

12 inches

Confetti

Gold/silver

Material

Clear latex

Pros

  • βœ“ Sparkly effect
  • βœ“ Photo-worthy
  • βœ“ Affordable

Cons

  • βœ— Confetti settles bottom
  • βœ— Need Hi-Float
  • βœ— Can look deflated if not full

Buying Guide: How to Choose Balloons (Helium)

How to Choose Helium Balloons

Foil vs Latex
Foil/Mylar: Float for weeks, self-sealing, more expensive. Latex: Cheaper, biodegradable, float 12-18 hours without treatment.

### Float Time Extension
Hi-Float treatment extends latex balloon float time to days instead of hours. Apply inside balloon before helium fill.

### Helium Sources
Party stores fill balloons cheaply. Disposable tanks for home use. Helium quality variesβ€”pure helium floats longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balloons (Helium)

How long will helium balloons float?

Foil balloons: 2-3 weeks. Latex balloons: 12-18 hours untreated, 2-4 days with Hi-Float. Temperature affects durationβ€”cold shortens, warm extends.

Can I inflate balloons the night before?

Foil yes. Latex should be inflated morning-of for events, or use Hi-Float treatment if inflating early.

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