What is the difference between ball spline and linear bearing

The price and precision are different. The price and precision of ball spline is a little higher.

Ball spline is a linear motion system of epoch-making significance, which utilizes the ball mounted on the outer barrel of the spline in the rolling groove of precision grinding, while making smooth rolling and transmitting torque at the same time. It is suitable for medical equipments, semiconductor equipments, handling equipments, robots and other industries which require high precision, long life and high usage frequency.

Linear bearings are a low-cost production of linear motion systems for unlimited travel and cylindrical shafts. Since the load bearing balls are in point contact with the shaft, the load used is small. The balls rotate with very little frictional resistance, enabling smooth motion with high precision.