Best Coach & Referee Whistles of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Coach and referee whistles are essential tools for sports enthusiasts and professionals. These whistles are designed to produce a loud, clear sound that can be heard over the noise of a game or match. They are commonly used in sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and rugby to signal the start and end of a play, call fouls, and communicate with players and officials. With a variety of styles and materials available, these whistles are durable, reliable and perfect for any sports activity.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LacyMC Stainless Steel Sports Whistle with Lanyard Cover #TOP 1
LacyMC Stainless Steel Sports Whistle with Lanyard
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ACME Thunderer 60.5 Waterproof Referee Whistle Cover #TOP 2
ACME Thunderer 60.5 Waterproof Referee Whistle
ftb score rating icon 9.7
iJiZuo Stainless Steel Referee Whistle with Lanyard Cover #TOP 3
iJiZuo Stainless Steel Referee Whistle with Lanyard
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Coach & Referee Whistles

#TOP 1

LacyMC Stainless Steel Sports Whistle with Lanyard

LacyMC
M-Whistle-230303
LacyMC Stainless Steel Sports Whistle with Lanyard Cover
LacyMC Stainless Steel Whistle,Referee Whistle,Sports Whistle,Metal Coach Whistle with 44cm Lanyard for Referees, Coaches, Lifeguards, Football, Basketball

The LacyMC Sports Whistle offers a loud and clear sound, ensuring you can easily attract attention whenever needed. Crafted from premium stainless steel, this whistle is durable and easy to clean, providing a long-lasting alternative to plastic whistles. With a convenient black lanyard included, you can hang it around your neck or mount it on a wall, freeing up your hands for other tasks. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, perfect for coaches, referees, and lifeguards alike.

What We Like
Clear and loud sound
Durable stainless steel material
Hands-free with lanyard
Compact and portable design
#TOP 2

ACME Thunderer 60.5 Waterproof Referee Whistle

60.5
Silver
One Size
ACME Thunderer 60.5 Waterproof Referee Whistle Cover
Acme Thunderer 60.5 Metal Official Referee Whistle

The ACME Thunderer Whistle is designed for reliable performance in all weather conditions, including rain, thanks to its waterproof speed pea. You will appreciate the easy blow feature, which provides an instant response, ensuring you can make your calls without delay. This whistle has been tested to outperform competitors, giving you confidence in your choice. Trusted by top officials in FIFA, the Olympics, and the NFL, it adds professionalism to your officiating duties.

What We Like
Waterproof design
Instant response
Outperforms competitors
Used by top officials
Robust metal construction
#TOP 3

iJiZuo Stainless Steel Referee Whistle with Lanyard

iZ-Stainless-Steel-Whistle
iJiZuo Stainless Steel Referee Whistle with Lanyard Cover
iJiZuo Stainless Steel Whistle, Metal Referee Whistle with 41cm Lanyard, Stainless Sports Whistles for Outdoor Activities, Referees, Coaches, Lifeguards, Soccer, Basketball-Silver

The iJiZuo Referee Whistle is designed for maximum effectiveness and convenience. Its loud and crisp sound allows you to easily grab attention in crowded situations, ensuring that your calls are heard. Made from durable stainless steel, this whistle is not only easy to clean but also much sturdier than plastic alternatives. The included 41cm soft nylon lanyard lets you hang it around your neck, freeing up your hands for greater mobility. Lightweight and compact, its size makes it convenient to carry for various activities.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Loud and clear sound
Hands-free with lanyard
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 4

Fya Professional Sports Whistle with Lanyard

Fya
Black
Fya Professional Sports Whistle with Lanyard Cover
Fya Whistle, Professional Sports Whistle with Lanyard, Loud Clear Black Whistles Great for Coaches, Referees, and Officials

The Fya Sports Whistle is designed to be heard loud and clear, reaching up to 120dB, ensuring you command attention in any situation. Crafted from high-impact ABS plastic, it is both durable and easy to use, making it perfect for coaches, referees, and officials alike. Each whistle includes a soft, comfortable lanyard for convenient wear, allowing you to keep your hands free. With its versatile applications in various sports and outdoor activities, this whistle is an essential tool for anyone needing to signal effectively.

What We Like
Loud 120dB sound
Durable ABS plastic
Includes comfortable lanyard
Versatile for many activities
#TOP 5

Hipat Stainless Steel Sports Whistles with Lanyard

Hipat Stainless Steel Sports Whistles with Lanyard Cover
Hipat Whistle, 2 Pack Stainless Steel Sports Whistles with Lanyard, Loud Crisp Sound Whistles Great for Coaches, Referees, and Officials (Silver(Stainless Steel))

The Hipat Sports Whistles are designed for coaches, referees, and officials, offering two high-quality stainless steel whistles with lanyards. With their loud and crisp sound, reaching up to 120dB, you can ensure you’re heard clearly in any situation. The included lanyards free your hands, allowing you to focus on your tasks while keeping the whistle easily accessible. Made from food-grade stainless steel, these whistles are durable and safe, making them a reliable choice over plastic alternatives.

What We Like
Loud and clear sound
Durable stainless steel construction
Handy lanyard included
Versatile for various users
#TOP 6

Neoreser Plastic Whistles with Lanyards

Neoreser
GH-Whistle-Plastic-4Colors
Color
Neoreser Plastic Whistles with Lanyards Cover
Neoreser Whistle, 4 Packs Plastic Whistles with Lanyard, Colorful Whistle, Sports Whistles, Loud Crisp Sound Whistle for Coaches, Referees, and Officials

The Neoreser Whistles are made from premium quality plastic, ensuring durability and resistance to breakage, making them ideal for regular use. You will appreciate the loud, crisp sound they produce with minimal effort, perfect for catching attention in various situations. The included neck lanyard allows you to hang the whistles around your neck, freeing your hands for other tasks. With four vibrant colours—red, yellow, blue, and green—these lightweight whistles are convenient to carry and suitable for most adults.

What We Like
Durable and high-quality materials
Loud and crisp sound
Hands-free lanyard design
Lightweight and easy to carry
Suitable for various activities
#TOP 7

RefStuff Classic Whistle with Lanyard

RefStuff Classic Whistle with Lanyard Cover
Referee Whistle Classic CMG Cushioned Mouth Grip on a RefStuff Elasticated Wrist Lanyard

The RefStuff Classic Whistle is designed for referees, sports coaches, and teachers, ensuring compatibility with the most renowned whistle in the industry. With a powerful sound that can be heard up to one mile away at 115 decibels, you'll easily grab attention during games. The cushioned mouth grip adds comfort, allowing you to use it without discomfort during long matches. This product is crafted with care by a referee, ensuring it meets the specific needs of officials like you.

What We Like
High-quality sound clarity
Comfortable cushioned grip
Includes a handy lanyard
Designed by a referee
#TOP 8

Lifesystems Super-Loud Hurricane Whistle with Lanyard

42620
Orange
One Size
Lifesystems Super-Loud Hurricane Whistle with Lanyard Cover
Lifesystems Super-Loud Emergency Triple-Chamber Hurricane Whistle with Lanyard for the Outdoors, Camping and Hiking, Orange

The Lifesystems Hurricane Whistle is one of the loudest options available, reaching an impressive 122dB. Its innovative airflow design ensures that the tri-tone sound can be heard over great distances, making it ideal for emergencies. This whistle is also water-resistant, allowing you to use it in various outdoor conditions without worry. Complying with EN ISO 12402-08 standards, it is a reliable choice for camping and hiking adventures. With a handy neck lanyard, you can easily keep it accessible while on the move.

What We Like
Extremely loud at 122dB
Water-resistant for all environments
Compact and lightweight design
Recommended for Duke of Edinburgh Award
#TOP 9

10 Pcs Loud Sports Whistles with Lanyards

QiXinGYL
multicolor
regular
10 Pcs Loud Sports Whistles with Lanyards Cover
10 Pcs Plastic Whistles Sports Whistles, Loud Clear Crisp Referee Whistle with Lanyard, Ref Whistles for Football Sports Teachers Coaches Emergency Survival Camping Lifeguard Whistles Party Whistles

The QiXinGYL Sports Whistles are crafted from sturdy PP plastic, ensuring durability and longevity, making them perfect for various activities. Their lanyard design allows you to keep the whistle within easy reach, so you won’t have to search through your pockets. With a crisp and loud sound, these whistles require minimal effort to use, ensuring you can attract attention quickly when needed. Their versatility makes them suitable for referees, coaches, teachers, and even for emergencies, camping, or pet training.

What We Like
Durable high-quality material
Convenient lanyard for easy access
Loud and clear sound
Versatile for many activities
#TOP 10

FORZA Pro Ultra Loud Referee Whistle

Black
Pack of 1
FORZA Pro Ultra Loud Referee Whistle Cover
FORZA Pro Referee Whistle with Lanyard [Ultra Loud 100DB] | Available in Packs of 1 or 12 (Pack of 1)

The FORZA Pro Whistle is an excellent choice for referees, sports clubs, and schools due to its versatile design. Made from premium plastic, it ensures durability with no moving parts that could freeze or jam. You'll appreciate the included lanyard, which features a detachable clip for easy swapping. Additionally, this whistle produces an impressive sound of up to 100 decibels, allowing your commands to be heard clearly over long distances, making it a reliable tool for any officiating role.

What We Like
Durable one-piece design
Included detachable lanyard
Ultra loud sound
Ideal for various settings
Available in multiple pack sizes
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do referee whistles mean?

Whistle. Referees use a whistle to help them control matches. The whistle is sometimes needed to stop, start or restart play but should not be used for all stoppages, starts or restarts. FIFA's Laws of the Game document gives guidance as to when the whistle should and should not be used.

2. What whistles do coaches use?

1. Crown Sporting Goods SCOA-001 Stainless Steel Whistle. This is a great classic stainless steel pea whistle. The kind of whistle you usually envision a coach or referee using.

3. Should coaches use whistles?

The whistle is still a very powerful tool for any coach to signal starts and stops, times to come together and times to separate into tasks. Technology has not, so far, replaced that with an app.

4. Why do refs have 2 whistles?

When you are attempting to control the placement of the ball in mid-field then short sharp blasts with clear hand signals will ensure that you achieve this. So make certain you carry two whistles and do not have the habit of running around the field with it in your mouth.

Editor's Notes

During our coach & referee whistle research, we found 172 coach & referee whistle products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 66,895 customer reviews through our big data system to write the coach & referee whistles list. We found that most customers choose coach & referee whistles with an average price of £4.67.

The coach & referee whistles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of coach & referee whistles, including LacyMC, ACME, iJiZuo, Fya, Hipat. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 164 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.