Which is better for canning?

Both are glass canning jars with two-piece lids and bands. Ball is the safer pick for freezing and reheating because it is rated freezer and microwave safe. Mainstays is described for water bath and pressure canning of small batches.

Which size should I get?

Pick 8 oz for jams, jellies, honey, and single servings. Pick 16 oz for salsas, sauces, pickles, and whole or halved fruit.

Is the Ball set worth the extra money?

At $30.97 for 12 jars, Ball costs more per jar than the $15.65 Mainstays set. You pay for freezer and microwave safety, wide mouths, and a widely available brand.

Can I freeze the Mainstays jars?

Freezer safety is not stated for the Mainstays jars. Use the Ball jars if you plan to freeze contents.

Do both sets include lids and bands?

Yes. Both come as 12-jar sets with two-piece lids and bands.

Both are reusable glass jars. Ball's lids are sold as SureTight; Mainstays lids are standard two-piece metal. Metal lids and bands wear out first on either brand and are replaceable.

Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands vs Mainstays 8 oz Regular Mouth Half Pint Mason Canning Jars with Lids and Bands, 12 Pack

Buy the Ball wide mouth jars if you want 16 oz jars for canning, freezing, or reheating. Buy the Mainstays half pint jars if you mostly make jams, jellies, and small batches. Ball's best new price is $30.97 at Walmart as of November 3, 2026. Mainstays has no current new price listed; its only recorded price is $15.65 from November 2, 2026.

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