You might think every hose is the same if you are a first-time gardener. How complicated can a simple tool like a hose be? You should know that the best garden hose can make the tiring chore of watering a breeze.
How do you decide which is the right one for you? Whatever your lawn or garden requires, this guide will help you find the best garden hose for your needs.
What is a Garden Hose Used For?
A hose is a staple of any well-maintained lawn or garden. You can use an all-purpose garden hose to water your plants and clean your car. While most hoses can fit any job, sometimes you need to find the best garden hose for your situation.
Having the right hose is essential to a happy growing season, but what kind should you buy?
What Makes the Best Garden Hose Stand Out?
When shopping for the perfect garden hose, there are a few features that you should keep in mind. You want a durable hose that can withstand heavy use for a few seasons. You will have to replace it eventually, but a quality garden hose can last five or more years before wearing out.
You should also consider how you will use your garden hose and what features are needed to get the job done. You might need a heavy-duty steel hose that can survive getting run over by heavy machinery. Or perhaps you want a hands-off watering system to keep your delicate plants hydrated.
Knowing this helps you determine the best length, material, diameter, and more. These factors contribute to the best garden hose suitable for any application.
Check out these 11 best garden hoses to find the right fit for you.
The 11 Best Garden Hoses for Backyard Watering
Best Garden Hose Overall
FITT Force Pro Water Hose
The FITT Force Pro Water Hose is a great all-around garden hose that balances durability with portability. It’s the best all-purpose garden hose that can get any job done.
It is flat under low pressure for easy storage and expands to a full â… inch diameter when in use. This hose is very lightweight, but its sturdy construction means it will last you many seasons when properly cared for.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 3.72 pounds
- Material: PVC with Aluminum Fittings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Safe for drinking water
Cons:
- Aluminum couplings can deform
- May not expand fully with low water pressure
Best Budget Garden Hose
Flexzilla Garden Hose
Everyone is trying to save money these days, but you should never sacrifice quality if you want to save over the long term. Our next selection is a great choice if you are trying to save money without sacrificing quality.
The Flexzilla is a great balance of desirable features with an agreeable price tag. The material is also drinking-water safe, so you don’t need an extra hose to fill the cooler (or grab a sip straight from the nozzle!)
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Material: Polymer with Aluminum Fittings
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Safe for drinking water
Cons:
- Heavy
- Aluminum couplings can deform
Best Lightweight Garden Hose
TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose
Watering a garden might not be exhausting for everyone, but some gardeners might have limited mobility or experience fatigue when doing yard work. With our next choice, you can haul this hose around all day without getting tired!
TheFitLife expandable garden hose allows you to work in the garden all day without weighing you down. This expandable hose is durable, easy to use, and weighs less than three pounds.
- Diameter: ¾-inch
- Length: 17-foot collapsed, 50-foot in use
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Material: Latex with Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Durable brass couplings
Cons:
- May not expand fully under low pressure
- Latex material is less durable
Best Garden Hose for Durability
Briggs and Stratton Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose
Maybe you live in an area prone to extreme weather, or perhaps you are just a little rough with your tools. Whatever reason you need a durable hose, the Briggs and Stratton rubber garden hose will meet your needs — this tough hose can withstand rough conditions.
This hose stays flexible in freezing weather, and the tough tubing can stand up to the hot sun. As with all rubber hoses, this is not safe for drinking water and may contain lead.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 10.6 pounds.
- Material: Rubber with Nickel and Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Durable rubber construction
- Durable brass couplings
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not safe for drinking water
- May contain lead
Best Compact Garden Hose
Flexi Hose
The Flexi Hose expandable garden hose is a lightweight, ultra-flexible hose perfect for small spaces. It is 50 feet long while in use and shrinks to a mere 17 feet for easy storage. This is a great option if you are low on storage space.
- Diameter: ¾-inch
- Length: 17-foot collapsed, 50-foot in use
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Material: Latex with Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Durable brass couplings
Cons:
- May not expand fully under low pressure
- Latex material is less durable
Best Garden Hose for a Small Garden
Water Right Mini Coil Hose
Keeping a very small garden watered is a dilemma for many aspiring gardeners. A watering pail holds too little and is prone to spills, but a full-length garden hose is unwieldy and heavy. The next hose on our list is great for porch and balcony gardens.
Coiled hoses are the perfect solution for small gardens. This lightweight hose has a ¼-inch diameter, which limits water flow to prevent flooding container plants. A bonus wand spray nozzle makes this mini coiled hose a fantastic choice for flower gardens and hanging baskets.
- Diameter: ¼-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Material: Polyurethane with Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Compact coil design
- Durable brass couplings
Cons:
- May not extend to the full 50 feet
- Water pressure may be too low for some applications
Best 100-Foot Garden Hose
zero-G Garden Hose
When you need a little extra reach with your garden hose, you can usually just combine a couple of 50-foot hoses. If you have an exceptionally large space that needs regular watering, you might look into a 100-foot hose. Get some serious reach with this next garden hose we recommend.
You should be discerning when buying an extra-long hose. Many 100-foot garden hoses lack significant water pressure due to their length. The zero-G is the best long garden hose for maintaining decent water pressure while also being very lightweight.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 100-foot
- Weight: 8.35
- Material: Nylon with Aluminum Fittings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Maintains great water pressure over 100 feet
Cons:
- Nylon construction is less durable
- Aluminum couplings can deform
Best Rubber Garden Hose
Dramm ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose
If you are looking for a durable rubber garden hose, then the Dramm ColorStorm is a fantastic choice. Dramm manufactures products that are trusted by professionals across the nation. This is a classic rubber hose trusted by professionals.
This hose stands up to freezing cold weather and intense UV rays without degrading. Remember not to drink from any rubber hose since they often leech dangerous toxins into the water.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 9.8 pounds
- Material: Rubber with Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Durable rubber construction
- Durable brass couplings
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Not safe for drinking water
Best Steel Garden Hose
Bionic Steel Garden Hose
Steel hoses are just about as sturdy as you can buy. The Bionic Steel Garden Hose is tough, rust-proof, kink-free, and surprisingly lightweight. Even though this hose is durable steel, it weighs only three pounds, so you won’t have any issues hauling it around the garden. This steel garden hose is lightweight, rust-proof, and crush resistant.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Material: Stainless Steel with Aluminum Fittings
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable stainless steel
Cons:
- Aluminum couplings can deform
- Not very flexible
Best Garden Hose for Drinking Water
Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose
When purchasing a hose for drinking water, you should always ensure it is tested and guaranteed to be safe. Camco’s premium drinking water hose is free of toxins like lead that can leave you ill. The design also ensures excellent pressure, which is essential if you plan to hook it up to an RV. Never compromise when it comes to your drinking water!
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 7.43 pounds
- Material: PVC with Nickel-Plated Fittings
Pros:
- Safe for drinking water
- No plastic taste
- Great water pressure
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Somewhat heavy
Best Garden Hose for Delicate Plants
Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose
Soaker hoses are a great way to water delicate plants. With standard hoses, you must spray water from above, potentially damaging foliage and contributing to mold growth. Using a sturdy soaker hose that delivers water directly to the soil reduces foliar fungal disease in your garden.
Soaker hoses lie on the ground next to your plants and slowly leak water into the soil via their porous design. For a truly hands-off watering experience, consider hooking this durable soaker hose up to a timer.
- Diameter: â…-inch
- Length: 50-foot
- Weight: 4.31 pounds
- Material: Rubber with Brass Fittings
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable rubber construction
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Only suitable for soaking, not spraying
- Not safe for drinking water
Different Types of Garden Hose
When it comes to finding the best garden hose, you may be surprised to discover the many types of hoses available. This guide gives you a high-level look at various garden hoses and tips on determining which kind you should buy.
The first question you need to ask yourself is how you plan to use your hose. Are you looking for a convenient way to water plants? Perhaps you would benefit from buying a soaker hose that slowly seeps water into the soil. Do you need something powerful enough to spray the mud off your truck? Look for a hose with a larger diameter to facilitate heavy water flow.
The possibilities are endless, so read on to learn a few tips about selecting the best garden hose for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Garden Hose
When shopping for a new garden hose, you should consider the length, diameter, material, coupling, and durability to determine the best choice.
Length
Garden hoses come in many sizes, but you will usually find 100, 50, and 25-foot hose options at your local hardware store. In most circumstances, a 50-foot garden hose is the best length. Shorter ones might not reach where you need them, and longer ones can be heavy and unwieldy. Many experienced gardeners keep a few 50-foot hoses and daisy chain them for extra reach.
Diameter
The diameter of your hose impacts the volume of water it can output and thus the overall water pressure you can get. A standard garden hose has a diameter of 5/8 inch, but 1/2 or 3/4 inch options are available.
Material
Your hose’s material contributes to its durability, lifespan, cost, and weight. If you live in a climate prone to extreme weather, you might consider investing in rubber or stainless steel hoses.
These are tough and can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, and freezing temperatures. Very cheap garden hoses are usually nylon, which is much less durable.
If you plan to drink from your water hose, you must stick with a safe material. Many hoses leech toxic chemicals into the water that can cause illness when ingested.
Coupling
Usually, the first thing that breaks on a hose is the coupling or fitting. It’s important to look for well-crafted fittings so you can avoid leaks and frequent repairs. Garden hose couplings are typically made of plastic, aluminum, or brass.
Plastic fittings are the cheapest, but they degrade quickly and break easily. Aluminum is lightweight and sturdier than plastic, but it is still prone to deformities resulting in leaks. Brass is the most expensive coupling material, and the extra investment pays off in its durability.
Burst Strength
The most common reason you may need to replace your garden hose is due to a burst. Hoses have a pressure rating that determines the burst strength or how much pressure the hose can withstand before the material breaks. Most hoses have a burst strength of no less than 250psi, which is more than adequate to handle the average home’s water pressure of around 60psi.
A home’s water pressure is much lower than the rated burst strength, but blockages such as frozen water or kinks can increase the pressure. Always make sure you purchase a hose with a high enough strength rating to withstand the occasional increase in water pressure.
Special Features
Depending on what you will use your garden hose for, you may look for additional special features. Accessories such as an included spray nozzle or wand can make watering your plants or cleaning your equipment easy. It’s essential to check out the reviews for these extras, as not all garden hose accessories are built the same. You may benefit from purchasing them separately if the included options are less durable.
When Is It Time to Buy a New Hose?
Nothing lasts forever, not even the best garden hose. While investing in a quality garden hose will ensure years of use, there will still come a day when you need to retire and replace it.
A leak is the most common reason for buying a new hose. If it originates from the coupling, you should investigate the cause before replacing it.
Sometimes the washer in the coupling cracks, which allows water to escape. You can pick up a new washer for a few cents and fix it yourself. However, you will likely need a new garden hose if the leak isn’t due to a damaged washer.
If your hose bursts, then you should purchase a new one. Sealant tape can only get you so far, and you will likely spend more money trying to keep the water in than you’d spend on a brand new hose.
How to Keep Your Garden Hose in the Best Condition
You can keep the best garden hose in top shape for years if you care for it properly. Consider the material and store it appropriately. Rubber and steel hoses are resilient to UV rays, but many synthetic hoses like nylon degrade from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
You should always store your hose in a shed or container when not in use. A great option for a two-in-one container with a retractable hose is the Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel.
In addition to protecting your garden hose from the elements, fully drain it of water before storing it. Keeping it stretched out along your shed or garage wall greatly reduces the risk of kinking. If this isn’t an option, loosely coil your hose and hang it from a wide spool. It is better to store your hose on the ground than on a thin utility hook, which can weaken it and cause leaks.
Buying the Best Garden Hose
When shopping for a new hose, the many options available can be overwhelming. We hope this guide helps you choose the best garden hose for your needs.
As you see, a good garden hose is a must-have for any garden. You can use it by itself or use it to supply water to other watering systems created for specific watering needs in your garden. To learn more about the best methods and products to keep your garden hydrated, check out our Garden Watering page!
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!