The Best Garden Hoses, Tested by BHG

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Keep your garden looking vibrant with these garden hoses. Metal Core Hose

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Better Homes & Gardens / Viveka Neveln

Whether you have a green thumb or you're just getting started, watering your plants is the key to a thriving garden. Though a watering can is ideal for smaller setups, garden hoses are handy tools for quickly and thoroughly watering garden beds as well as potted plants.

“The most important factors to consider in a garden hose are durability and material. A durable hose made of high-quality material will last longer and withstand different weather conditions,” says Mark Marroki, the operations manager at JMJ Landscaping in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

To find the best garden hoses, we tested a variety of styles in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and at home in our own backyards. In addition to Marroki, we also consulted Mobee Weinstein, foreman of gardeners for outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden.

We evaluated 37 garden hoses on their design, ease of use, and durability. To learn more on how we tested garden hoses, check out our testing process below.

It’s very lightweight and we didn’t notice any kinks form during testing.

It should be drained after usage to ensure it goes back to original, compact size.

A high level of performance and a super easy maneuverable design made Kotto’s Expandable Garden Hose the clear winner for our best overall garden hose. The hose is designed with a latex core and polyester fabric, which are intended to promote flexibility in the hose.

During testing, we found this option offered easy movability in comparison to a traditional hose. When it came time to move it around our property, it demanded less tugging due to its lighter profile.

This lightweight design didn’t sacrifice any strength or durability. At the end of the testing period, there were no leaks and we didn’t experience any kinks. Plus, it’s available in 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 foot options.

It’s worth mentioning that this option should be drained fully after usage to maximize its efficiency and resume its original, more compact size.

Product Details: Length: Up to 150 feet | Width: 0.75 inches | Material: Latex, polyester | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Alex Castro

A medium firmness prevents this hose from being compressed when empty, while still being soft enough to carry easily.

It only comes in one size, which is limiting.

For a more affordable pick, our testing indicates that you can’t beat Expert Gardener’s 50 foot garden hose. We found it was easy to wind and unwind, smoothly moving off of the metal hose reel that we stored it on.

Designed with a “medium” firmness, this hose worked well to avoid being squished when empty or wound up, while still being soft enough to carry with ease when full of water. Additionally, we didn’t need to exert much energy at all to unwind it.

The “comfort grip” connector lived up to the brand’s description and was easy to connect and disconnect to the faucet and avoided leaks. The grip also worked to keep the coupling from being damaged. However, we did find that if the comfort grip connector slid down, it could cause kinking.

Overall, the four ply nylon construction worked well to promote sturdiness while still being flexible enough to maneuver around the yard. The only real drawback to note is that this hose only comes in a 50-foot option, and would benefit from more size choices.

Product Details: Length: 50 feet | Width: 5/8 inches | Material: 4-ply core | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Schaubroeck

he garden hose wasn't too heavy when filled with water and was easy to connect to nozzles and spigots.

The material got very hot while it sat out in the sun, so you'll have to be cautious when using it.

The Briggs and Stratton 25-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose is a shorter option that can get the job done. Although it's offered in four different lengths, we tried the 25-foot style and found it could cover quite a lot of surface area.

During testing, this pick was very easy to use. We noted that we didn’t have trouble carrying it and that it was fairly lightweight when filled with water. Plus, it easily connected to nozzles and spigots.

When determining the durability of this garden hose, we 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 and we noted 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

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

The hose is lightweight, so it's easy to drag around a yard. It also comes with a 10-spray nozzle and storage bag.

We felt the fabric construction was not as durable as hoses we tried.

If you need a longer option, the J&B XpandaHose 75-Foot Expandable Garden Hose with Holder is a viable choice. During testing, we appreciated its design and ease of use, noting that it was lightweight and wasn't difficult to drag around.

During testing,we appreciated that the hose didn't tangle or kink. We 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, we 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

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

We noted that the hose was easy to coil and uncoil. We also appreciated that it was simple to connect to the water supply and it had heavy-duty hardware.

It's more expensive than other hose options.

If you need a long hose, we highly recommend the Zero-G 4001-100 Garden Hose. The hose was easy to use and durable during testing.

When determining the garden hose's ease of use, we appreciated that the sleek fittings made it easy to connect to the water supply. We also found that the hose was simple to coil and uncoil, which can sometimes be an issue with other hoses.

Although it's a bit more expensive than other options, we 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

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

It was easy to maneuver and felt like a durable item.

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 worth considering. The 50-foot hose was one of our highest-scoring hoses overall.

When it came to the hose's design, we appreciated that it had a solid build and weighed as much as they expected it to—it's worth noting, however, that we wouldn't consider it lightweight.

We 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, we liked the hose's red color, which is a departure from typical hose designs.

Overall, we 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

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

The hose proved to be durable and was easy to maneuver.

We noted that it kinked a lot when being loaded onto the reel; however, we weren't sure that a flat hose should go on a reel.

Overall, the H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose was one of the best hoses we tested. When it came to ease of use, we liked that the hose was lightweight and easy to maneuver.

We 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, we 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, proving its durability. When loading the garden hose onto a reel, we noted that the hose kinked quite a bit. However, we weren't sure that a flat style needs to be put on a reel to begin with so we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker.

Product Details: Length: From 25 feet | Width: 1/2 inch | Material: Polyvinyl chloride, rubber, metal, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: 60 PSI

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek

The hose felt sturdy, was easy to use, and was lightweight. It's also offered in a variety of colors, so you can easily spot it in your yard.

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 surpassed our expectations as a durable, sturdy pick that's compact and easy to coil after each use.

This coil hose is one of the best selections to consider due in part to its ease of use and its lightweight feel. The garden hose was easy to drag around, so you'll be able to maneuver it around your outdoor space without straining your body.

During testing, we thought the garden hose was durable as it seemed to be made with a sturdy material that could withstand wear and tear.

It’s worth noting that the garden hoses only offered in a 75-foot length, which is shorter than some other hoses. 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.

Product Details: Length: From 25 feet | Width: 3/8 inch | Material: Polyurethane, brass | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

It’s not heavy, even when full of water, and is very easy to wind up.

It does kink easier than other models.

We were impressed by the Gilmour Aquaarmor hose because of how easy it was to pull around, regardless of if it had water in it or not.

The lightweight stature of this hose doesn't come at the expense of quality. We didn’t experience any leaks when we connected the hose to the spigot, and after being dragged over concrete and rocks throughout the testing period, we didn’t notice scratches or holes either.

An added benefit of this hose’s lightness was just how easy it was to remove kinks. While other hoses were difficult to wind up, this one was easy to wind in our stationary reel.

This model was easier to bend than other hoses we tested and it did experience some mild kinking. However, this was easy to undo with a mild shake. Our only regret was opting for the shorter length, noting that the lightweight nature makes the longer version more appealing than other large hoses which can be cumbersome.

Product Details: Length: Up to 100 feet | Width: 0.5 inches | Material: PVC, metal | Maximum Pressure Rating: 300 PSI

Better Homes & Gardens / Viveka Neveln

We experienced no kinking or flow stoppage.

The extra length will require more vigilance to avoid damage.

For people with larger properties seeking a hose that can handle the larger workload, Hydrotech’s garden hose is our pick. Measuring at 200 feet long, it is one of the more substantial options on the market and it’s by far the longest of all the hoses we tested.

Even with all of the extra length, we never experienced any kinking or flow stoppage. Plus, it was lightweight and easy to move. We found this to be the most flexible hose we had ever used, and noted that it was easy to coil when full or empty.

Despite being 200 feet long, it was easy to maneuver and remove from landscape rocks when it got caught, even when the hose was full. Plus, we were able to store it without it taking up much space at all thanks to its expandable design.

Just be mindful that while this option is light and durable, 200 feet of hose is quite lengthy and will require extra attention to where all parts of the hose are to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged.

Product Details: Length: 200 feet | Width: 0.75 inches | Material: Latex | Maximum Pressure Rating: 250 PSI

Better Homes & Gardens / Steph Hunter

It is highly durable and looked new at the end of the testing period.

We didn’t like the color of the hose, which would stand out in your yard.

If you prefer a metal option, we recommend Rosey Earth’s metal hose. During testing, we never experienced anything close to the kinking that you may with a PVC hose. While people may expect a metal option to be heavier, this one was exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver, regardless of whether it had water in it or not.

This hose proved to be a very durable pick. It handled consistent usage well and looked new at the end of our testing period. Plus, it lived up to Rosy Earth’s claims of it being puncture-proof.

The only thing we would change is the color of this hose; if you want something more subdued that blends in better, this pick won’t be the best choice for you. However, we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker given the quality and performance.

Product Details: Length: Up to 100 feet | Width: 0.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Maximum Pressure Rating: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / John Beard

The Kotto Expandable Garden Hose earned the top spot on our list for its lightweight and flexible design. We also didn’t experience any kinks during the testing period, and liked that it’s offered in five lengths.

To find the best garden hoses, we spent two days at our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab to put 30 styles to the test. We also tried seven additional styles at home to see how well they performed. The hoses were scored based on design, ease of use, and durability.

At the lab, we started by picking up each hose and deciding if it seemed lighter or heavier than expected based on its size and material—we didn't know how much it weighed beforehand. We also evaluated if it felt easy to carry.

From there, the hoses were connected to water spigots so we 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. Finally, we attempted to wind the hose back up on the reel when it was both full of water and empty.

Better Homes & Gardens / Steph Hunter

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.

A hose's width can be anywhere from a 1/2 inch to one inch, with the most common size being 5/8 inches. 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."

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.

When it comes to material, Marroki notes that some common types of hose materials include rubber, vinyl, PVC, and polyurethane. Rubber hoses, like the Craftsman Premium-Duty Rubber Red Hose, tend to be a bit heavier but they offer durability and flexibility.

However, vinyl hoses, like the Zero-G 4001-100 Garden Hose, are more lightweight and can be a less expensive option. Polyurethane options, like the Water Right 300 Series Coil Garden Hose, are lightweight, flexible, and durable.

Another common material, PVC, tends to be lightweight and easy to remove kinks from. If you prefer a PVC, we recommend the Gilmour Aquaarmor 1/2 in. x 50 ft. Black Hose.

Better Homes & Gardens / John Beard

While we liked the HydroSteel Pro 100 ft Stainless Steel Metal Water Hose for its sturdiness and overall durability, we felt that other flexible hoses that we tested were lighter.

The Tuff-Guard The Perfect Garden Hose is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a good option for frequent usage. However, we didn’t like that it was difficult to hang up when we were done using it; we had other options that offered the same benefits without the difficult hanging drawback.

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

During testing, we noted that the Water Right Soaker Garden Hose was lightweight but kept its coil shape, which made it difficult 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.

According to Marroki, “A good quality garden hose can last anywhere from five to 10 years. The average lifespan of a garden hose depends on the quality of the material and how well it is maintained.”

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.

Garden hoses usually cost anywhere between $20-$60, with plenty falling right around the $40 area. On our list, options like the Expert Gardener 50 Foot Medium Duty PVC Garden Hose, cost $20. However, the Kotto Expandable Garden Hose, costs $65 and is our most expensive pick.

Better Homes & Gardens / Alex Castro

This article was written by Jack Byram, a freelance writer who has been covering all things design and garden related for BHG since 2023. To write this article, he analyzed testing insights provided from our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and home testing.

He also spoke with Mark Marroki, the operations manager at JMJ Landscaping in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Mobee Weinstein, foreman of gardeners for outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden.

Stainless Steel Flexible Hose 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.