To find out which are the best garden hoses, we purchased 30 garden hoses and put them to the test at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. During two days of testing, testers evaluated each option based on four categories: design, ease of use, durability, and value. We also consulted Mobee Weinstein, foreman of gardeners for outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden. Overall, we recommend the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose. The garden hose received a perfect score from testers, who noted it had a solid construction and didn’t kink. Here are the best garden hoses.

Best Overall: Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose Best Budget: NGreen Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose Best 25-Foot: Briggs and Stratton 25-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose Best 75-Foot: J&B XpandaHose 75-Foot Expandable Garden Hose with Holder Best 100-Foot: Zero-G 4001-100 Garden Hose Best Rubber: Craftsman Premium-Duty Rubber Red Hose Best Flexible: TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose Best Soaker: H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose Best Coil: Water Right 300 Series Coil Garden Hose Best Metal: Forever Steel Hose Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Garden Hose

What We Recommend

Keep in Mind: It has a lower pressure rating than some other options. Overall, the best garden hose is the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose. Testers gave this garden hose a perfect score across categories and noted it had a solid, durable construction they felt could stand up to wear and tear. The hose is offered in 10 lengths, so you’ll be able to choose a specific length that suits your outdoor space best versus adjusting to standard sizes. Unlike some other options out there, it’s made with FDA-grade polyurethane and lead-free brass fittings, meaning the hose itself is safe to drink out of. Weinstein notes, however, that when it comes to drinking out of a hose, it’s important to know if you’ve run fertilizer or pesticides through it—if you have, the water is no longer safe to drink. Hoses stored outside could also be housing bacteria or insects. During testing, product testers noted that the hose didn’t kink and seemed like it had a solid build that would stand up to a lot of use over time. It’s worth noting, however, that its maximum pressure rating is 150 PSI, which is lower than some other similar styles. Product Details:
Length: From 6.5 feet | Width: 5/8 inch | Material: Polyurethane, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 150 PSI Keep in Mind: It has a wider width than some other options, which could impact water pressure. If you’re in the market for a less-expensive style, the best garden hose is NGreen’s Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose. The hose includes an eight-function spray non-slip nozzle that allows you to water your garden however you see fit. Plus, you won’t have to spend additional money buying a separate nozzle. The hose is offered in four lengths: 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. Testers tried out the 25-foot option, which they noted was best for smaller spaces. While testing, they found it didn’t tangle or kink and was easy to carry and coil. The garden hose’s interior is made of latex and is wrapped in woven fabric. At the lab, testers rubbed the fabric covering with a rock to test its durability and noted that it never frayed—overall, they gave it a nearly perfect score for durability. Testers felt this was one of the best garden hoses to consider due in part to the included eight-function nozzle. Whether you’re gardening or cleaning your car, you can adjust the nozzle to the proper water setting to fulfill your watering needs. Product Details:
Length: From 25 feet | Width: 3/4 inch | Material: Latex, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 145 PSI Keep in Mind: Testers noted the material got very hot while it sat out in the sun, so you’ll have to be cautious when using it. If you’re in need of a shorter option that’ll get the job done, the best garden hose is the Briggs and Stratton 25-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose. Although it’s offered in four different lengths, testers tried the 25-foot style and found it could cover quite a lot of surface area. During testing, the garden hose received a perfect score for its ease of use. Testers noted it was easy to carry, fairly lightweight when filled with water, and easily connected to nozzles and spigots. When determining the durability of this garden hose, testers found that it stayed intact even when it was dragged across rocks, a rake, and grass. The rubber garden hose was given a perfect score for durability, with testers noting that it felt like it was made with high-quality material. It’s worth keeping in mind that during testing, the material became very hot while sitting out in the sun, so you’ll want to be cautious while using it on a summer day. Product Details:
Length: 25 feet | Width: 5/8 inch | Material: Rubber, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed Keep in Mind: Testers felt the fabric construction was not as durable as other tested options. If you need a longer option, the best garden hose is the J&B XpandaHose 75-Foot Expandable Garden Hose with Holder. During testing, testers appreciated its design and ease of use, noting that it was lightweight and wasn’t difficult to drag around. Overall, the garden hose received a 4.5/5 for its ease of use, as testers appreciated that it didn’t tangle or kink. They also noted that it’s expandable and doubles in size when filled with water, making it a more compact option for storage between uses. Unlike some other options, the 75-foot hose comes with a 10-spray nozzle that allows you to adjust the spray pattern based on your needs. Although the garden hose has a latex core, it’s worth noting that testers were wary of how well the fabric hose would hold up long term in comparison to other material options on the market. Product Details:
Length: 75 feet | Width: 3/4 inch | Material: Polyester, latex, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 174 PSI Why You Should Get It: Testers noted that the hose was easy to coil and uncoil. They also appreciated that it was simple to connect to the water supply and it had heavy-duty hardware. Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other hose options. For larger yards, the best garden hose worth considering is the Zero-G 4001-100 Garden Hose. The hose, which is also available in three shorter lengths, received high scores for ease of use, durability, and value. When determining the garden hose’s ease of use, testers appreciated that the sleek fittings made it easy to connect to the water supply. They also found that the hose was simple to coil and uncoil, which can sometimes be an issue with other hoses. Overall, the garden hose received a 4/5 for both durability and value. Although it’s a bit more expensive than other options, testers felt that the ease of use, as well as durable hardware, made it a worthwhile investment. Product Details:
Length: 100 feet | Width: 5/8 inch | Material: Vinyl | Maximum Pressure Rating: 600 PSI Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one length, so it may not be suitable for every home. According to Weinstein, rubber is one of the most durable materials for garden hoses, so the Craftsman Premium-Duty Rubber Red Hose is certainly one to consider. The 50-foot hose received perfect scores across categories, making it one of our best garden hoses overall. When it came to the hose’s design, testers appreciated that it had a solid build and weighed as much as they expected it to—it’s worth noting, however, that they wouldn’t consider it lightweight. They also appreciated that it was easy to maneuver and didn’t kink a lot, regardless of whether or not it was filled with water. Plus, testers like the hose’s red color, which is a departure from typical hose designs. Overall, testers felt that the design and durability made the hose worth the price. Just keep in mind that the hose is only offered in one length, so it may not work for every yard size. Product Details:
Length: 50 Feet | Width: 5/8 inch | Material: Rubber | Maximum Pressure Rating: 300 PSI Keep in Mind: Testers were concerned that it may not stand up to wear and tear over time. TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose is the best garden hose if you’re in need of a budget-friendly, lightweight style. Testers gave the garden hose a near-perfect score, noting that even when it was full of water the hose was still stretchy and easy to move around. When it came to the hose’s design, it received a perfect score due in part to its lightweight feel and on/off switch at the end of the hose, making it easy to control the water flow. Testers felt it was easy to move around even when it was full of water, and they appreciated that it quickly reverts back to its original size when empty. It also didn’t kink and was easy to coil, earning it a perfect score in regards to ease of use. The garden hose received its lowest score, 4.5/5, for durability. Although testers felt that it was the most durable of all the fabric options they tested, they noted that it did get caught on a rake, so it may not be the best long-term option. Product Details:
Length: From 25 feet | Width: 3/4 inch | Material: Polyester, latex, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 350 PSI Keep in Mind: Testers noted that it kinked a lot when being loaded onto the reel; however, they weren’t sure that a flat hose should go on a reel. Overall, the H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose received a 4.5/5 during testing, making it the best garden hose if you need a soaker option. The lightweight hose received high scores across the board, especially for durability and value. When it came to ease of use, testers liked that the hose was lightweight and easy to maneuver. They found that the water began to seep quickly as well—according to the brand, the hose will dispense two gallons of water in two minutes. However, testers felt like it wouldn’t get the ground very wet overall. After dragging the hose through rocks and a rake, the hose held up in perfect condition, earning it a perfect score for durability. Testers also felt like the hose was durable and worked well and gave it a perfect score in terms of value. When loading the garden hose onto a reel, testers noted that the hose kinked quite a bit. However, they weren’t sure that a flat style needs to be put on a reel to begin with. Product Details:
Length: From 25 feet | Width: 1/2 inch | Material: Polyvinyl chloride, rubber, metal, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 60 PSI Keep in Mind: The longest length offered is 75 feet, so those with larger spaces may need to buy a few additional hoses to get their desired length. The Water Right 300 Series Coil Garden Hose is the best garden hose for your home if you’re looking for a durable, sturdy pick that’s compact and easy to recoil after each use. The hose is offered in three lengths and four colors and received a near-perfect score during testing. This coil hose is one of the best garden hoses to consider due in part to its ease of use—it received a 5/5 score in that category from testers. The garden hose is lightweight and easy to drag around without any issues, so you’ll be able to maneuver it around your outdoor space without straining your body. The garden hose also received perfect scores for durability, as testers felt it was made with a sturdy material that could withstand wear and tear. The garden hose received a slightly lower score in both value and design due in part to its length. However, it’s offered in three sizes so you’d be able to connect a few different ones to achieve the length you need for your outdoor space. Its Product Details:
Length: From 25 feet | Width: 3/8 inch | Material: Polyurethane, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one length, which may not work for every outdoor space. The Forever Steel Hose Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Garden Hose received a perfect score across the board, making it the best garden hose to consider if you prefer a metal option. Testers felt the hose had both a sturdy build and a stylish appearance. The hose’s shiny metal appearance is a departure from traditional hose styles. What’s more impressive, however, is the garden hose’s ease of use—a tester noted that it was the easiest hose they’d ever used. It seemed like the hose was impossible to kink and was easy to roll up when testing was over. The garden hose also didn’t present any issues while being maneuvered through trees, plants, rocks, and grass, unlike some other picks that got stuck along the way. Overall, testers determined the hose was a great value. Product Details:
Length: 50 feet | Width: 5/8 inch | Material: Stainless steel | Maximum Pressure Rating: 500 PSI

Our Testing Process

Over the course of two days, nine testers went to our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and put 30 garden hoses to the test. To determine the best garden hose, testers started by picking up each hose and deciding if it seemed lighter or heavier than expected based on its size and material—they didn’t know how much it actually weighed beforehand. They also evaluated if it felt easy to carry. From there, the hoses were connected to water spigots so testers could see the quality of the fitting, as well as if there was any leakage. Then, the feeder hose of the reel was connected to the water spigot and the garden hose was connected to the water coupling on the reel to determine any leakage. Afterward, the hoses were unwinded from the reel and dragged across grass, cement, and a garden rake with the tines turned up, as well as around three large planters, to test durability. Whether or not a hose was durable was based on any wear and tear. The final task required testers to attempt to wind the hose back up on the reel when it was both full of water and empty. From there, the testers used a predetermined methodology to score each garden hose between one and five in four categories: design, ease of use, durability, and value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick’s scores across categories.

What to Know About Garden Hoses Before Shopping

Length

The best garden hose length depends on a few factors, like the size of your yard, your needs, and where your water source is. If you have a small vegetable garden to water, you’ll likely only need a 50-foot option; however, a larger outdoor space, as well as one that’s far from a water supply, can warrant a longer style. It’s worth keeping in mind that, according to Weinstein, the longer the hose the less pressure there is at the end of it. “If people have a very long length to go, they might want to make sure they have enough pressure or might want to have another water outlet closer because they might not be able to run 200 feet,” she says. In terms of length, Weinstein also notes that you should consider connecting shorter hoses together instead of just purchasing one longer hose. That way, you can have different lengths and water pressures as well as have a backup hose in case one breaks.

Width

A hose’s width can be anywhere from a 1/2 inch to an inch, with the most common size being 5/8 inch. According to Weinstein, the width of a hose is a key factor when it comes to a hose’s water pressure. “A skinnier hose will have more pressure than a wider hose,” Weinstein says. “Even though the wider hose can deliver more water because more water can go through it, it has less pressure.”

Material

Garden hoses come in a variety of materials, including polyurethane, rubber, vinyl, and stainless steel. According to Weinstein, vinyl tends to be the least expensive while rubber is a very durable option to consider. Although she’s never tried a stainless steel style, Weinstein notes that you’ll want to be mindful that the material could potentially get hot or cold depending on the weather outside—no issues were reported during testing, however. For the expandable options that have a latex interior, Weinstein says they’re both lightweight and flexible, so they’re easy to carry around a yard when you need them.

Other Garden Hoses We Tested

Flexzilla Garden Lead-in Hose

Overall, the Flexzilla Garden Lead-in Hose received a near-perfect average score during testing. Testers appreciated the hose’s bright yellow coloring, which made it easy to spot in a yard. They also liked that it didn’t kink and had a sturdy feel. They noted, however, that it was heavy when full of water, making it more difficult to move around the garden.

Dramm 17036 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose

The Dramm 17036 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose was rated highly due to its value and durability. Overall, testers found that it was a strong option, and the kinks easily unraveled. Testers liked the purple color of the hose, but it’s offered in five other colors as well if you prefer a different shade. Testers found that the hose did kink a bit, but the kinks straightened out quickly.

Water Right Soaker Garden Hose

During testing, the Water Right Soaker Garden Hose earned its highest scores for its design and durability. Testers noted it was lightweight but that it kept its coil shape, which made it hard to carry around. It was also kinking quite a bit, as opposed to other options. However, the garden hose was easily threaded onto the spigot.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you drink water from a garden hose?

Some hoses will be marked as drinking water safe, meaning it’s made with materials that are free of any harmful substances as well as resistant to mold and mildew growth. However, it’s important to note that while the hose itself may not pose a concern, there are other factors that could impact whether or not it’s truly safe to drink out of. “Theoretically, you can drink out of them, provided of course your water is drinkable and you’ve never run anything through there other than straight water,” Weinstein says. Overall, you’ll want to avoid drinking water out of a hose that’s had any fertilizers, pesticides, or other dangerous materials running through it. There’s also a chance that there could be bacteria or insects inside the hose, so it’s generally not recommended as a drinking water source.

What is the best style for my yard?

Garden hoses are offered in a variety of styles: standard, soaker, coiled, and expandable. Each has its own benefits, so it’s important to assess your garden and any personal needs. A standard garden hose is a versatile pick that can be used for vegetable gardens, your yard, or anything else you need to water around your outdoor space. A soaker hose has tiny holes all along it that allow for a slow release of water into the soil. The hose is placed in a fixed spot on the ground. It’s a low-maintenance option as you just have to set it on the ground and let it work—no need to hold it or manually control the water flow. A coiled option is ideal for smaller spaces, decks, and balconies as it’s fairly compact and can recoil after being used. In a similar vein, expandable hoses are also compact and can triple in size when filled with water. However, they tend to not be very long-lasting.

How do you care for a garden hose?

Though it may seem like a garden hose can just be put on a reel between uses, performing a few more maintenance tasks before storing your hose for the day can extend its life. “Drain it every single time you use it. Water can degrade the interior of your hose,” Weinstein says. “Anytime that you do run anything, [like chemicals], through it, you should then run clean water through to flush it out.” Weinstein says that failing to drain a garden hose properly can lead to bacteria growth. Although you may leave your hose outdoors, Weinstein recommends storing garden hoses in a place where they’re protected from the outdoor elements, such as a basement, garage, or shed.

Who We Are

Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she used insights from a set of nine testers who tested each garden hose in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She considered each pick’s length, width, material, and maximum pressure rating as well. She also consulted Mobee Weinstein, foreman of gardeners for outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks.