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While a watering can is great for indoor plants and small outdoor areas, say, a few pots of tomato plants, a garden hose is often the way to go when it comes to watering large areas outdoors. Even if you have a small garden or porch, a hose will help you quickly water plants and clean away debris. The best garden hoses are made of durable materials that won't kink or crack overtime.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, experts evaluate items like water pressure washers and leaf vacuums. When it came to testing garden hoses, we spent more than 20 hours reviewing technical data, assembling hoses and putting them through their paces at our backyard testing locations.
We also checked in with landscape professionals who handle hoses all the time. “Each garden has different needs, so you need to choose your hose accordingly,” said Jim Russell, a horticultural instructor and garden creator who works throughout the Northeast. After tapping our internal databases alongside outside industry pros, we were able to narrow down the best garden hoses to these top-rated picks.
Pros
Extremely durable - Excellent pressure
- Crush-proof connections
Cons
- Can be cumbersome
If you have a lot of landscaping to water — maybe spread out over a vegetable garden, foundation beds and lots of thirsty perennials — spending $100 on a garden hose is actually a smart investment, especially if it’s this 50-foot workhorse from Dramm. The no-nonsense hose is made from ultra-durable rubber that withstood every abuse our testers threw at it: yanking, pulling, prodding and even stomping on its nickel-plated brass fittings (the "crush-free" claim held true).
In our usability tests, the 5/8" hose generated plenty of pressure, connected easily to the spigot and spray nozzle and was easy to unfurl and reel back in. But make no mistake, the 10-pound Dramm is a lot of hose to lug around the yard. On the other hand, it’s built for those with serious watering or cleaning needs and it actually isn't the most expensive option available on the market.
Length: 50 ft | Diameter: 5/8" | Weight: 10 lbs | Material: Heavy-duty rubber
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Pros
- Affordable
- Performed well in testing
- With proper care, can last multiple seasons
Cons
- Less durable construction
This is the least expensive garden hose on our list, and it feels that way, starting with the vinyl construction which is more prone to kinking. Right out of the box, ours had a pretty good crimp at one end. The plastic fittings are also less durable than the solid brass connections on top-quality hoses. Despite all that, once our experts hooked up the hose, it did a perfectly good job spraying water where we needed it.
Sure, the flimsy design made it a little harder to maneuver and it didn’t roll up as neatly as other hoses. But if you care for it properly (keeping it out of the hot sun where it could dry out and not driving over it with your car), it should give you a few seasons of service without springing a leak. Plus, at under $20, it won't cost too much to replace the hose if needed.
Length: 50 ft | Diameter: 5/8" | Weight: 7 lbs | Material: Vinyl
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Pros
- Compact storage
- Durable connectors
- Extremely lightweight and flexible
Cons
- Does not include spray nozzle
Expandable garden hoses use the force of the water running through them to unfurl to their full length and then contract for storage. They may seem gimmicky, but our experts were impressed by the overall quality of this version from Hydrotech. When not in use, the 50-foot hose shrivels down to 17 feet, which can be folded up into a bundle about the size of a large bread loaf.
The knock against expandable hoses is that they're often cheaply made, leading to premature failure, sometimes right out of the box. That's not the case with the Hydrotech. Its heavy-duty brass valve with flow-control shut-off is durable and rust-proof, while the nylon connector that goes onto your spigot is well-designed and constructed solidly.
The latex hose itself is lightweight and flexible, but also burst-proof, a claim the manufacturer backs up with a generous 10-year warranty. Take note that you will have to buy a spray nozzle separately.
Length: 50 ft | Diameter: 5/8" | Weight: 1 lb | Material: Latex
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Pros
- Superb ergonomics
- Kink resistant
- Drinking-water safe
Cons
- Exterior smudges easily
The Flexzilla gave the Dramm a run for its money for the best overall distinction among our testers. Both are excellent hoses, and you’ll save some money on the Flexzilla with very little tradeoff. The hose also holds the Amazon's Choice badge and has over 82,400 online reviews.
Our testers especially liked the Flexzilla's ergonomics, including the easy-grip connections with their swivel action that prevents kinking and makes the hose easy to maneuver. The water pressure was impressive, though slightly less than the Dramm.
The Flexzilla stood up to our durability tests and the black inner tube is lead-free and drinking-water safe, nice if it will keep you hydrated in addition to the lawn, or if you’ll use it to fill an inflatable pool. One minor quibble: The distinctive green outer cover was quick to smudge in our tests, so don't count on the hose looking new for long.
Length: 50 ft | Diameter: 5/8" | Weight: 8 lbs | Material: Polymer
Pros
- Durable design
- Lightweight
- Designed to perform in severe weather
Cons
- Prone to tangles
Between its stainless steel construction and solid brass fittings, this hose lived up to the "bionic" billing in our tests. Given its durability, the 50-foot hose is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. Our testers noted, however, that because the hose is so flexible, it ended up in knots more frequently than other models.
In terms of performance, the 5/8" interior hose provided plenty of pressure, and we like that it comes with its own nozzle too. Though we weren't able to verify the claim, Bionic touts its extreme weather resistance, including in sub-zero temperatures. Based on our experience with 304 stainless steel, the material the hose is made from, we expect it to live up to the claim, making this a good option for year-round use in colder climates. Just make sure you have a frost-proof spigot or you could be stuck with a burst pipe.
Length: 50 ft | Diameter: 5/8" | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- Extremely compact
- Lightweight
- Under $30
Cons
- Didn't generate as much water pressure
If your watering needs are minimal — watering a vertical garden or giving the dog a bath on the back deck — a coil hose is the way to go. Our experts were impressed by this bright green version from HoseCoil, which starts at a compact 10 inches before stretching to 15 feet at full extension.
Weighing just over one pound, it’s also extremely versatile, which is nice if you need to take it RV-ing or maybe down to the marina to hose off the boat. The polyurethane construction makes for a flexible, lightweight design, though based on our experience with the polyurethane material, the HoseCoil probably won’t last as long as other hoses in our round-up. The 3/8" house also doesn't generate as much water pressure as other top picks. But for the price, our experts still say it’s an excellent value for lightweight watering needs.
Length: 15 ft | Diameter: 3/8" | Weight: 1.1 lbs | Material: Polyurethane
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Pros
- Simple to operate
- Housing stores hose neatly and safely
- Kink-resistant
Cons
- Harder to install than regular garden hoses
If you use a garden hose frequently, spending more on a retractable system is a worthwhile investment, since the enclosed housing makes for neat, trip-free storage and protects the hose from the harsh sun and other elements. We're big fans of the Hoselink, a wall-mounted solution that comes with a 50-foot or 82-foot kink-resistant, PVC garden hose. The eight-pattern spray nozzle is easy to operate and the leak-free connections join easily with a simple point-and-twist action.
Installing the Hoselink is more of a project than getting set up with a simple garden hose since the housing and hose add up to 30 pounds, and therefore need to be securely mounted. While the installation process is pretty standard, note that some specialty tools and materials are required, along with a couple of hours of your time.
Once it was up and running, the Hoselink was extremely user-friendly in our tests. Quick-connect systems on the 6.5-foot leader hose (between the wall spigot and the housing) and the main hose made it easy to switch between fittings, say, to take off the spray nozzle and insert the hose into a lawn sprinkler.
And when you're done watering, the guide roller springs to life with a simple tug, moving side to side as it retracts the hose so that the hose spools evenly onto the drum. There, the hose will wait, out of sight and harm's way, until it's time for more watering.
Length: 50 ft or 82 ft | Diameter: 9/16" | Weight: 30 lbs | Material: Polypropylene
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How we choose the best garden hoses
Our experts start by surveying the current marketplace to identify the garden hoses you’re most likely to find on store shelves and online. We’ve been testing lawn and garden products for decades, so we looked for brands with a track record for reliability.
Hands-on testing took place at the homes of various on-staff testers, which allowed us to evaluate the hoses in real-world conditions. When it came to reviewing specific models, our engineers and product testers spent more than 12 hours reviewing hundreds of technical and performance data points, including hose dimensions, materials (including lead-free claims), temperature resistance and more.
We then put the hoses through a battery of tests over another 12-hour period. To measure ease of use, we connected each hose to the main spigot and spray nozzle multiple times, noting any difficulties connecting or signs of degradation. We also measured maneuverability, namely how easy each hose was to unfurl and reel in, and whether kinking occurred.
Performance was primarily determined by flow rate and the force of the spray, using the same nozzle for each spray. To determine durability, we repeatedly dragged each hose across rough surfaces, including the edge of a brick column and metal steps; applying the same pressure and angle, we checked for early signs of wear and tear to the outer covers.
We walked repeatedly on the hoses and connections and rode over them with a bike tire and the wheel of a wooden chaise lounge to ensure they didn't crack or split.
Our durability tests include pulling hoses at the same angle and pressure across the sharp corner of a brick pier.
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Testers also looked for signs of kinking, since this impedes water flow and can also lead to premature cracking.
What to look for when shopping for the best garden hose
To find the best garden hose for your needs, think about the size of the property and how much use and abuse the hose is likely to receive.
✔️ Length: Garden hoses range from 5 feet long to over 100 feet long. The size of your property is, of course, the deciding factor. Measure from your outdoor spigot to the farthest point in the yard that will require watering; remember that you’ll pick up at least 10 feet from the spray of the hose. The biggest regret we hear from consumers is when they purchase too long of a hose. “Heavy-duty or extra-long hoses could be more of a pain than a pleasure,” said Russell. “Lift up the hose and ask yourself if you'd want to lug it around.”
✔️ Diameter: The diameter of the hose affects how much water can move through it. Garden hoses range from 3/8" to 6/8" inches. Wider hoses can move several times as much water in the same amount of time, which is especially helpful for cleaning. It will also deliver extra distance on the spray, so you might be able to get away with a shorter hose.
✔️ Material: This factor impacts the hose's cost, usability and lifespan. Here are the most common options:
- Vinyl: The least expensive garden hoses are made of vinyl. Though you save upfront, vinyl hoses are prone to kinking and cracking, plus they usually have cheap plastic connections that can lead to premature leaks.
- Latex: Another kind of plastic, latex is a common material in expandable hoses. It’s flexible and resilient, which allows it to expand and contract. But it’s not as durable as other materials.
- Rubber: This classic hose material is more durable than plastic, especially if it’s a high-quality rubber such as EPDM rubber — short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer — a weather-resistant material common in the automotive industry.
- Stainless steel: This material has many outdoor applications, from grills to furniture. Stainless steel hoses have the same benefits, namely being rust-proof and weather-resistant.
What’s the best way to store a garden hose?
Let’s first talk about the wrong way to store a hose — in a tangled mess underneath your spigot. This puts extra wear and tear on the hose and turns it into a tripping hazard. Plus, it’s an eyesore. “No one wants to look at a hose, so the more easily it disappears, the better,” said Russell. He’s partial to retractable hose caddies, like this version from Frontgate. “The hose is kept out of sight and putting it away is a delight,” he said. A hose hanger, whether wall-mounted or freestanding, is a more affordable solution for keeping your hose well-organized and out of the way,
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including lawn and garden gear. In his role as Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports. He has also wielded all kinds of garden hoses over the years tending to the terrace and back garden of his home in Brooklyn.
Dan DiClerico
Home Improvement & Outdoor Director
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
