The Top 7 Garden Hoses, Tested and Reviewed

Best All-Around Option

The Flexzilla Garden Hose is an excellent all-around choice for regular watering tasks. Constructed from a hybrid polymer, it boasts remarkable flexibility, allowing you to easily maneuver around patio furniture or other obstacles in your path. We found that the hose lived up to its kink-resistant claim, smoothly unwinding from the reel. However, it's worth noting that it is one of the heavier hoses on the market, especially when fully filled with water.

The couplings are crafted from anodized aluminum, featuring an easy-grip coating that simplifies attachment to the spigot and makes dragging it across the lawn more manageable. The bright lime green color ensures it’s easy to spot in the yard. Additionally, the hybrid polymer inner tube is safe for drinking, whether you're filling up your pet's bowl or sipping directly from the hose. While it may not have the highest burst strength compared to other hoses on our list, it is more than sufficient for regular watering tasks.

Material: Hybrid polymer | Length: 50, 75, or 100 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inch | Weight: 8 pounds | Couplings: Anodized aluminum | Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI

Top Expandable Option

Expandable hoses expand as they fill with water and shrink back when drained, saving storage space while offering the full length of a traditional hose. During testing, The Fit Life Expandable Garden Hose stood out as the best of the expandable options we tested. It remained lightweight and flexible, even when fully expanded. Once finished, simply open the valve on the brass fitting to release the water and watch the hose return to about one-third of its expanded length. It coiled effortlessly once shrunk back to its compact size.

A key downside to expandable hoses is their reduced durability, due to the fabric construction that allows them to expand with water. Despite this, we were impressed with the durability of The Fit Life model, which showed the least wear of all the expandable hoses we tested, thanks to its triple-ply latex inner tube and tough polyester exterior. After three months of use, the hose continued to function flawlessly, though we expect some wear over time due to its expandable nature.

As an added bonus, this hose comes equipped with durable brass fittings and a spray nozzle that offers eight different settings, meaning you won’t need to buy one separately.

Material: Polyester/latex | Length: Available in 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet | Diameter: 6/10 inch | Weight: 1.8 to 4.5 pounds | Couplings: Brass with nozzle | Maximum Pressure: 300-350 PSI

Top Heavy-Duty

Polyurethane is a newcomer in the garden hose industry, but it’s rapidly gaining popularity for its lightweight, flexible, and robust qualities. Marketed as the "most durable garden hose available," the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose resists punctures, kinks, crushes, and abrasions, making it ideal for dragging across rough surfaces. Fun fact: it’s made from the same material used in in-line skates. Given its impressive durability, it should withstand heavy, long-term use.

In our testing, this hose showed no kinks and proved to be significantly lighter than rubber hoses, which are also known for their durability. It features lead-free brass fittings and is safe for drinking water. During our home test, we found it to be a bit short for some tasks, but it’s available in 10 different lengths, from 6.5 feet to 200 feet. Keep in mind, it’s nearly three times more expensive than our Best Overall pick, which may not justify the cost for occasional use. However, its 10-year warranty offers solid peace of mind.

Material: Polyurethane | Length: 6.5, 12, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, or 200 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inch | Weight: 1 to 28 pounds | Couplings: Brass | Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI

Top Rubber Choice

For frequent use, a rubber hose offers exceptional durability at a significantly lower price compared to polyurethane. While rubber is often seen as bulky, we found this hose to be surprisingly easy to handle, even when filled with water.

The material feels incredibly sturdy, and the hose performed well after being dragged over rocks, grass, and a rake. It comes in four sizes, from 25 feet to 100 feet, making it ideal for spaces of all sizes. The nickel-plated brass couplings are top-notch, ensuring easy attachment to nozzles and spigots.

Although the manufacturer claims it can withstand temperatures up to 200°F, we noticed the black rubber hose became very hot when left in the sun. Therefore, it’s best to avoid leaving it out during extreme heat. The black color might be tough to spot in your lawn, but we appreciate its subtle, non-intrusive look.

Material: Rubber | Length: 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inch | Weight: 4.82 pounds | Couplings: Nickel-plated brass | Maximum Pressure: Not listed

Top Soaker Hose

Instead of spraying water that may evaporate before reaching the ground, this soaker hose releases water slowly and evenly through its pores, ensuring a deep and consistent soak for plant roots. We observed what appeared to be condensation on the outside of the hose as water began seeping through the pores. The manufacturer claims that this flat soaker hose delivers an impressive 2 gallons of water every two minutes.

We found the hose to be lightweight and easy to maneuver around obstacles such as flower beds and pots. It also proved to be durable, withstanding being dragged through rocks and over a rake. The PVC material is treated with UV inhibitors, enabling it to endure prolonged exposure to the sun for years.

After three months of outdoor use, the hose continued to perform well. However, we encountered some difficulty when attempting to load it back onto the reel due to kinking. Additionally, it’s important not to exceed a water pressure of 60 PSI, as higher pressure could cause the hose to burst. Overall, this soaker hose is an excellent choice for delivering water directly to the roots of your plants without the hassle of moving a regular hose to and from storage.

Material: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Length: 25 or 50 feet | Diameter: 1/2 inch | Weight: 1.8 pounds or 3.9 pounds | Couplings: Brass | Maximum Pressure: 60 PSI

Top Coil

Coiled garden hoses are perfect for watering smaller spaces, like flower beds, vegetable gardens, porches, patios, or even urban container gardens, as they eliminate the need to carry around a full-size hose just for these tasks. We found this hose very convenient to carry and even more straightforward to use. Additionally, it naturally recoils back into its original shape, making it a breeze to store without the hassle of coiling it back around a reel.

This particular coil hose stands out in two key areas: its material and design. Similar to our Best Heavy-Duty hose, it's constructed from UV-resistant polyurethane, a robust, flexible, and lightweight material that resists punctures and abrasions. The couplings are made from lead-free brass, which held up well over three months of usage. Its design features straight tail ends instead of a full coil, which enhances control of the water flow and makes attaching it to the spigot easier. Also, it's safe to drink from. However, due to its 3/8 inch diameter, water flow is somewhat limited, so it's best used for low-pressure watering tasks.

Material: Polyurethane | Length: 25, 50, or 75 feet | Diameter: 3/8 inch | Weight: 2, 3.4, or 4.6 pounds | Couplings: Brass | Maximum Pressure: 50 PSI

Final Thoughts

Our top choice is the Forever Steel 304 Stainless Steel Hose because it's incredibly resistant to punctures and kinks while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver. Additionally, it boasts the highest burst strength at 500 PSI. For those with limited storage space, we recommend the TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose. It's the most durable expandable hose we tested and contracts when not in use to save valuable space.

Our Evaluation Method

We tested 30 different garden hoses, recognizing that each one serves a different purpose and isn't necessarily designed to perform in the same way. Initially, we evaluated each coiled hose based on its weight and feel, taking into account the material and size to determine whether it was cumbersome or easy to handle.

Next, we connected each hose to a water spigot and a feeder hose to check the seal quality and observe if any leaks occurred. We then fully extended each hose from the reel and tested them across various surfaces such as grass, concrete, and even a garden rake with the tines facing up. We made sure to pivot 180 degrees and maneuver around three large pots in our testing area. During this phase, we kept a close eye out for any punctures or visible signs of wear on the hoses.

In our final test, we sprayed water from each hose for two minutes, then turned off the water without draining it from the hose. Afterward, we tried to rewind the hose onto the reel, noting how easy or difficult this process was with a full hose. We then repeated the same tests, but this time, we used the nozzle to release water before attempting to rewind the hose. Each hose was rated based on its design, ease of use, durability, and overall value.

After completing the lab tests, we took the highest-rated hoses home and used them for several months to see how they performed over time.

Expert Guide to Shopping for Garden Hoses

Hose Types

There are various garden hose types available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. "Selecting the right hose often requires compromise since no hose is perfect," Schanen explains.

Standard hoses are excellent for general watering and cleaning tasks. "Standard hoses are the most commonly chosen option because they perform well, though they require coiling and can sometimes kink," Schanen states. Standard hoses come in both lightweight and heavy-duty options, the latter being ideal for hot water and prolonged use, according to McCoy. "Hoses should only be used with water at ambient temperatures, so hot water should only go through hoses made specifically for that purpose," he advises.

Expandable hoses are lightweight, compact, and can expand up to three times their original size when filled with water. These are perfect for people with limited storage space since they shrink back when not in use. However, their flexibility means they are more vulnerable to tears and snags compared to other hoses. Among the expandable hoses we tested, The Fit Life's Expandable Garden Hose proved to be the least prone to snags.

Soaker hoses are designed to deliver water gently and consistently to plant roots. However, Schanen points out that they often require pinning down to keep them in place. McCoy also suggests that they can be buried beneath mulch, explaining that "the hose releases small amounts of water directly to your plants' roots with minimal waste."

Coil hoses are ideal for watering smaller areas without the hassle of dragging a long hose around or coiling it back onto the reel, as they automatically retract into a compact coil. On the downside, coil hoses are typically short and can occasionally get tangled.

Hose Material

Polyurethane: Schanen explains that polyurethane offers "a great combination of strength and lightness, and is less prone to kinking." It's regarded as one of the most durable hose materials available and is lighter than rubber, though it tends to be pricier.

Rubber: Rubber hoses are only slightly less durable than polyurethane, and they are more budget-friendly. However, they can become quite heavy once filled with water.

Vinyl: Vinyl offers a lightweight and budget-friendly option compared to rubber, but it tends to be less durable and more prone to kinking.

Stainless steel: These hoses typically feature a waterproof core wrapped in coils of stainless steel for added strength. Garden hoses are commonly made from 304-grade stainless steel, as it is resistant to rust and corrosion.

If you intend to drink from your garden hose, it’s essential to choose the right material. "For an occasional drink on a hot day, go for a hose labeled as boat, marine, or recreational," advises McCoy. "These hoses have plastic linings that make them safe for drinking water. Standard hoses, however, may contain materials unsuitable for ingestion."

Hose Size

When evaluating the size of a garden hose, you need to consider diameter, length, and weight. Schanen states that a 5/8-inch diameter is the most common size, ideal for most uses. "A 3/4-inch hose provides excellent water pressure, but it will be quite heavy," Schanen adds. "Half-inch hoses are lightweight and easy to handle, but they may not work well with lawn sprinklers and might not even produce spray with a hose-end sprayer." Coil hoses typically have smaller diameters, around 3/8-inch, since they are designed for watering smaller areas.

Garden hoses typically vary in length from 25 to 50 feet, though the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose offers a wider range, from 6.5 feet up to 200 feet. When choosing the right hose length, keep in mind that longer hoses reduce water pressure: "Pick a hose that’s long enough for your needs, and no more," suggests McCoy. "If you need a longer hose occasionally, consider buying two shorter ones and connecting them when necessary."

Consider the weight of the hose when making your choice. As previously mentioned, rubber hoses tend to be the heaviest. Generally, the more durable hoses are heavier, but it’s important to find a hose that you’re comfortable using while ensuring it will provide long-lasting performance.

Burst Strength

The "burst strength" of a garden hose, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), represents the amount of pressure the hose can withstand before breaking. A higher PSI means a stronger, more durable hose. Soaker and coil hoses usually need less pressure to operate effectively, so it’s advisable to use lower water pressure to prevent any damage to these types of hoses.

Couplings

Couplings, or fittings, are the components that attach the hose to the water source. As Schanen points out, "End fittings are just as important as the hose material." He recommends opting for brass or plated brass alloy fittings for long-lasting durability, especially if you're investing in a hose you plan to use for years. While aluminum and plastic fittings are lighter, they generally don’t hold up as long.

More Garden Hoses to Consider

NGreen Flexible and Expandable Water Hose: This hose was easy to carry and coil during testing, and it didn’t twist or kink. However, we did notice a small leak at the connection point to the outdoor spigot.

23 Water Right Soaker Garden Hose: This lightweight polyurethane hose is incredibly easy to maneuver. However, it’s only available in beige, which may not be to everyone’s liking.

Questions You Might Ask

How can you prevent garden hoses from kinking and knotting?

Garden hoses often end up stored in tight coils for extended periods, making them prone to kinks and knots that can block water flow. Schanen advises, "If you can avoid coiling and lay it flat instead, that’s the best. But if you must coil it, start by stretching the hose out and then coil it." Hoses made from thicker materials like rubber or heavy-duty versions tend to be more resistant to kinking.

What's the best way to store a garden hose?

While laying your hose flat in three or four long sections is the best option to avoid kinks and knots, we understand that this isn’t always practical. There are various storage solutions for garden hoses, such as reel wagons, pots, and hangers. Schanen recommends stretching the hose straight before coiling it and never forcing the coil into place: "Sometimes, you may need to alternate coils so that one is tucked under the previous one (don't worry, it will still uncoil fine)."

Avoid storing the hose in direct sunlight, as McCoy warns that hot water can expand inside the hose, and UV rays can weaken its material. "Also, make sure to store it out of the weather during the winter," he adds.

Do you need a garden hose nozzle for your hose?

A hose nozzle attaches to the end of the hose to control the flow and spread of water. Some nozzles offer different spray patterns, while others maintain a consistent stream. A nozzle allows you to manage water waste by giving you greater control over the direction of the flow and letting you shut it off when not in use. For heavy-duty cleaning, fireman-style nozzles deliver a powerful spray.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, an associate editor at Mytour, who brings three years of experience in product reviews and lifestyle content. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. To create this list, we tested 30 garden hoses in our Lab, assessing them on design, usability, durability, and overall value. For expert guidance on what to consider when buying, we consulted Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener, and Gary McCoy, a store manager at Lowe’s.