Are expensive medicine balls actually better?

Not necessarily. The recurring r/Fitness question 'are pricier med balls really better' generally lands on: for basic core work and slams, a budget sand-filled ball is fine, and the best-selling sub-$25 options carry tens of thousands of strong verified-purchase ratings. Reviewers reserve premium spending for soft wall balls (where catch comfort matters) and for heavy daily commercial use where durability is critical.