Ball bearings are used to provide smooth, low friction motion in rotary applications.

Radial or deep groove bearings can handle radial and axial loads to varying degrees, but are typically used when the primary load is in the radial direction

Angular contact bearings are designed so that a contact angle between the races and the balls is formed when the bearing is in use

Thrust bearings are designed for pure thrust loads, and can handle little or no radial load.

Slewing rings and turntable bearings can accommodate axial, radial and moment loads.

Spherical plain bearings accommodate wide-ranging angular misalignment with a ball-and-socket type design.

Ceramic hybrid bearings, the most common type of ceramic bearing, are constructed of steel inner and outer rings with ceramic (typically Si3N4) balls in place of steel.