A garden hose can help to make light work of those yard chores. With a hose you can water beds and irrigate your landscaping without needing to carry heavy watering cans around your yard.
Our team of researchers considered more than 40 garden hose products to find the best models on the market. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks and our editor’s choice, the J&B XpandaHose features corrosion resistant fittings, multiple spray patterns and lightweight, while delivering excellent performance. We’ve also ranked other garden hose models at different price points with different characteristics to ensure a top pick for everyone.
Our research team has deliberated for hours to research the very best options to find the best garden hose that offers the best design and features. First and foremost, we assessed the types of garden hoses to determine which hoses fulfil the most functions around your yard. We’ve also evaluated the hose length, diameter and material, which all impact the durability and functionality, in addition to the max pressure. We’ve presented our research as a basic overview table, coupled with a list of detailed reviews. You’ll also see that at the end of our reviews, we’ve included a buying guide to walk you through the purchase decision making process.
Other features: drinking water safe, kink-free, no memory, abrasion resistant outer cover, crush resistant aircraft aluminum fittings with bend restrictor, 2-year warranty
The Flexzilla Pro Water Hose is the top of the range line of hoses designed for professional landscapers and contractors. This is our premium pick because this hose has a unique feature; the fixtures at both ends can be replaced and removed at any time. So, if you purchased the 100 ft. long hose and it became ruptured 20 ft. in, you could cut the hose down to create an 80 ft. long shorter hose. The 20 ft. long section could also be turned into a short hose if you buy a new set of connectors. This field repair capability is a key selling feature for professionals that get frequent breaks or damage as they work.
The Flexzilla Pro Water Hose is the best lightweight garden hose on our list. The 50 ft., 75 ft. and 100 ft. models weigh 9 lbs., 12 lbs. and 16 lbs. respectively. There are excellent O-ring gaskets for easy coupling and spiral bend restrictors to make this hose more flexible. This hose is rated for a water pressure of 165 PSI making it an excellent choice for other tasks.
Other features: expandable hose, 3/4 inch brass connectors + steel assembly clamps, comes with spray nozzle, lifetime warranty, kinks free
The J&B XpandaHose 75ft is our editor’s choice, it may be the best no kink garden hose on this list and it can expand from 25ft up to 75ft easily. This makes this lightweight hose easy to maneuver around every corner of the garden and its flexible design makes untangling a breeze. The spray nozzle has 10 different patterns to choose from to ensure your get the exact water delivery you need for a wide variety of situations.
The J&B XpandaHose 75ft has a 43.5-87PSI/3-6Bar normal water pressure. This is a high quality hose, there are corrosion resistant steel assembly clamps and high quality solid brass fittings supplied with this product. The core is triple layered making this a durable hose that will last for years to come. The entire hose only weighs 2.5 lbs. making it easy to move around when setting up or taking down.
Other features: heavy-duty metal coupling with O-ring, kinky-free, lifetime warranty
The Gilmour 840501-1001 Comm RBR/Vin Hose is a 50 ft. long hose for the garden and general cleaning duties. This hose may be the best rubber garden hose on our list because it has a simple design and it’s easy to use. The hose has a smart red color making it easy to locate anywhere and the 3/4″ diameter has a metal spring cover to prevent kinks. The heavy duty coupling provide a tight seal and this reduces water waste as you work.
Gilmour has a 50-year reputation in this business and their attention to detail is evident in this particular hose. The hose has a burst strength of 400 PSI to ensure that it will last for years to come. If you need a lightweight and tough 50 ft. hose with no frills the Gilmour 840501-1001 Comm RBR/Vin Hose will fit the bill.
Other features: kinks-free, rust-resistant, 9 patterns spray nozzle, 3/4” inches USA standard brass fittings; can withstand temperature of 41℉-113℉, 1-year warranty
The Life Be Free Expandable Garden Hose may be the best 100 ft. garden hose at this price point. This hose is light, flexible and easy to store when you need to store it. The hose is manufactured with a layered latex core for extra flexibility and the outer casing is a tough woven material. The brass fittings are standard and the ¾” diameter can handle 3-4 bars of pressure. This is hose that you can use all year round at temperatures in the 41ºF-113ºF range.
The Life Be Free Expandable Garden Hose is 33 ft. long, but it easily expands to 3 times that size. The ergonomic hose nozzle has 9 different patterns to select and it has a slip-resistant surface. This is a highly portable hose, it comes with a hanger and a storage bag so you can take it with you. This hose is designed to minimize kinks and it’s very easy to use in the garden or for other tasks.
Other features: Oil and Abrasion-resistant, 1/4-in male NPT threads, resists twisting and kinking
The Craftsman 50-foot Rubber Air Hose is a contractor-grade hose designed for tough work environments. Made of durable rubber, it’s temperature resistant, making it ideal for cold weather conditions while retaining its flexibility. The hose is built to resist twisting and kinking, ensuring a smooth flow of air. It’s also tough against oil and abrasions, ensuring longevity and durability. The hose features 1/4-inch male NPT threads that connect easily to quick-connect plugs and couplers, although these are not included. It’s specifically designed for automotive and garage work, boasting a maximum working pressure of 300-PSI and a temperature range of 30 degrees F to 200 degrees F.
Other features: drinking water safe, lightweight, 12 inch tails on each coil, kinks-free
The Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose is the best coiled garden hose on our list and it’s available in three sizes, 25 ft., 50 ft. and 75 ft. The hose is manufactured from polyurethane with solid machined brass fitting for a long lasting seal. The diameter of the hose is ⅜” which is narrower than many other hoses on our list and as a result the water flow is lower. This is an attractive products and it’s available in a wide variety of colors, such as: Forest Green, Olive Green, Eggplant, Cranberry, Rosemary and even Espresso!
The Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose can handle temperature extremes including freezing. One customer used the hose at 6ºF to supply water to his motorhome and it still worked well. Each end of the hose has a specially engineered strain relief to prevent annoying kinks and the entire hose is lead, BPA and Phthalate free. This makes this an excellent choice for those that may want a hose for potable water.
Other features: rust-resistant end cap, two extra washers, 2-year warranty
The Melnor 65062-AMZ 75 ft. Flat Soaker Hose is the best collapsible garden hose on our list. This hose flattens when stored making it easy to store when it’s not in use. This is not a standard garden hose and professionals would refer to this as an irrigation hose. This hose has a permeable exterior; this design allows the water to seep out along the entire length. Multiple hoses can easily be connected together and it’s an ideal way to gently water raised beds and rows of flowers or vegetables.
Given the modest price, this hose delivers a great deal of plant water flexibility and multiple hoses can easily create an extremely effective irrigation network. Unlike a sprinkler system, the hoses can be rolled up, moved to different locations and deployed very quickly. This is a less invasive way to water your plants and the hose has a mesh construction making it very durable.
Other features: 8-ply construction, double tire cord, crush-resistant brass connections
The Gilmour Flexogen Vinyl Garden Hose is a premium choice for both gardening enthusiasts and professionals. With its robust 8-ply construction, it boasts an impressive 500 PSI burst strength, further enhanced by a double tire cord reinforcement, ensuring durability and the ability to withstand high water pressure. Despite its sturdy build, the hose remains lightweight, making it easy to coil and handle for everyday use. The Flow guard plus protective collar, especially present in the 5/8 and 1/2 inch hoses, offers a solution to the common problem of kinks at the faucet. Additionally, the hose is equipped with heavy-duty, crush-resistant, Full-Flo machined metal couplings, guaranteeing a secure connection every time.
Its patented 8-layer construction not only provides superior durability but also ensures kink resistance. This hose confidently offers a 600 PSI burst strength, standing as a testament to its performance and longevity. It’s recognized as the strongest, yet lightest hose in its class, ensuring it remains functional season after season. The Flexogen hose also features crush-resistant brass connections that are corrosion-resistant, ensuring a tight and lasting seal. To further attest to its quality, the hose has undergone rigorous testing for burst strength, kink resistance, connection strength, and abrasion resistance, and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Other features: for hot (180°) or cold water use, rigid sleeve, leak-proof and crush resistant couplings, lifetime guarantee
This hose may be the best garden hose for pressure washer use on our list. The Apex 8695-25 Commercial Hot and Cold Water Hose is made from 100% rubber and this makes it ideal for hot water temperatures up to 180ºF. The high quality brass fitting offers a tight connection that’s likely to last for years. A rigid sleeve prevents any kinking that could occur at the faucet end and it can be left out in the sun without any problems.
This is an industrial grade hose that can be used to water the garden, pressure wash the car and clean a commercial area. The shorter hoses in the lineup can be easily connected together to create a longer hose as required. After all, any long hose can develop a kink at time, but shorter hoses are less prone to kinking and you can choose the length of hose that you need. This is a more expensive option, but it may be useful for people that need drastically different lengths of hose for various cleaning tasks.
Other features: a 3/4-Inch female connection on one end
The 5ft Drain Hose offers multifunctional utility, ideal for small maintenance tasks around the home, garden, and garage, or even for watering hanging plants. It doubles up as a dehumidifier drain hose. Designed with a female thread on one end, it seamlessly fits most female coupling hose reels and is compatible with most 3/4-inch hose thread outlets. Its optimal length ensures easy connection from hose reels to faucets, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, users have the flexibility to customize it to their preferred length. Despite its functionality, the hose remains lightweight and flexible, making storage a breeze as it can be effortlessly rolled up to fit tight spaces. Its construction is enhanced with a rubber washer and hose, ensuring a durable, leak-proof performance.
Other features: 3/4 inch connector, rubber washer, 3-layer rubber pipe, and a sturdy on-off valve,
The Expandable Garden Hose is an innovative solution for all your watering needs. Designed to expand up to 50 feet under water pressure (87-145PSI), it conveniently retracts to its original size once the water is turned off, ensuring easy storage and handling. Crafted using a new patented technology, this hose boasts superior scratch resistance, wear resistance, and overall durability. Its construction includes a solid 3/4 inch connector, rubber washer, and a 3-layer rubber pipe, complemented by a robust on-off valve.
The package also includes a 10-functional hose nozzle, designed with user convenience in mind. Its anti-slip design, combined with a thumb trigger switch, allows for effortless adjustment of water flow, making tasks like gardening, yard cleaning, car washing, and pet bathing a breeze. Installation is straightforward, and a handy hanger is provided for organized storage. To top it all, the product comes with a 1-year guarantee, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed with a free replacement.
Other features: flat soaker hose, high tensile strength, weeper hose
The LINEX Garden Soaker Hose is a revolutionary gardening tool, boasting patented technology that ensures water leaks at an impressive rate of 3 gallons per minute at a regular 50 PSI. This performance surpasses most recycled soaker hoses available today. What sets it apart is the even water distribution throughout the entire length of the weeper hose. Designed for convenience, this garden soaker hose is user-friendly, easy to unfold, and can be strategically placed either above the ground or buried beneath layers of soil or leaves. Its high tensile strength ensures durability, especially during the scorching summer months. The hose is crafted from top-notch fabric with a kink-resistant plastic inner core, making it ideal for nurturing new and delicate plants.
Smart and efficient, the weeper hose guarantees a consistent water flow, gently seeping through the fabric for an unparalleled gardening experience. Post-use, the hose is a breeze to store and transport. Its design allows it to be rolled up compactly, taking up minimal space, and is light enough for both women and children to handle with ease. The 25-foot hose has a unique inner plastic core with two ridges, ensuring it remains kink-resistant and can be stored in tight spaces. LINEX stands firmly behind this product, offering a 2-year warranty, ensuring its longevity and durability.
A garden hose can help to make light work of your outdoor chores. However, with such a wide variety of models, making your purchase decision can feel a little tricky. So, here we’ve compiled a buying guide with the things you need to consider, the features to look for and answers to some common questions to help you to choose the product best suited to your needs.
Garden hoses save you the back-breaking work of needing to carry heavy watering cans from a water connection to various areas of your yard. The right garden hose can not only allow you to water your beds and lawns, but also connect to your garden shower and take water from your rainwater storage tank. Additionally, a hose can make cleaning garden furniture, sports equipment and garden tools a quicker and easier task.
With so many garden hose products, it can be a little overwhelming to choose the best model for your specific requirements. Here we’ll explore the features you should consider to narrow down the options and find the one best suited to your needs.
There are a number of different types of garden hose. These include:
Expandable: These hoses can expand up to three times the length when filled. Typically, they are lightweight and can last for years with proper care, like the J&B Xpandahose.
Drinking Water Safe: If you need to fill your child’s pool or your pet will drink from the hose, you need to ensure that it is drinking water safe. This means that it is made with materials that will not leach potentially harmful chemicals into the water.
Soaker: These are designed for garden irrigation, as the water oozes from thousands of tiny holes to allow water to seep into the soil. This type of hose can be laid on the ground, buried just under the surface or covered in a layer of mulch.
Coiled: These are spiral hoses that pull together when stored and can provide a longer length when needed. These can provide a good solution for smaller areas and many like the Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose are available in different sizes.
Flat: These are round when full, but flatten when empty, making them easy to roll up. Many types of flat hose are sold on a reel for even greater functionality.
Garden hoses are available in a variety of sizes, but the most common are 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet.
It is a far better idea to measure the distance from your water connection to the farthest point in your yard and buy a hose that will reach just beyond this point. You don’t need to tug the hose to try to stretch it out, as this may cause leaks or snags.
Most garden hoses have a ¾-inch or half-inch diameter. This measurement is based on the inside of the hose rather than the diameter of the outside. The larger the diameter, the larger the water volume the hose can carry.
If the hose weight may be an issue for you, you may prefer to choose a narrower hose. While this will not carry as much water, it will be lighter weight. A half inch hose can be sufficient for light gardening tasks including watering containers, but if you need higher water pressure for washing your car or sprinklers, this size of hose diameter is not likely to be appropriate for your requirements.
Typically, hoses are made from rubber, a rubber hybrid, polyurethane or vinyl. Rubber is usually the most flexible, but it can be heavy. Hybrids and polyurethane ted to be lighter and more resistant to kinks. Vinyl is the cheapest option, but it can be heavy, prone to kinking and often has a “memory” for coiling. Finally, polyurethane will lay flatter even if used in warmer temperatures.
There is also a newer variety of hose material that involves a woven fiber jacket with a flexible, thin lining inside. A great example of this is the Life Be Free Expandable Garden Hose, which offers a highly flexible hose with no coil memory and minimal kinking. This type of hose can also be very convenient to store, as they collapse when the water pressure is released.
The strength of a garden hose is measured with “burst pressure”. This refers to the water pressure at which the hose is likely to rupture. If you need a hose for a sprinkler or nozzle, you should look for hoses with a burst pressure of 350 psi or more, but pressure washers may require an even higher psi.
The dimensions and weight of a hose can not only affect how much water the hose can carry, but also the movement and storage of the hose. If you have a 100-foot hose, it is going to be harder to move around your yard and require more storage space compared to a 25-foot model.
However, you also need to consider durability. There are lightweight hoses that are usually made from vinyl, but these tend to be prone to kinking and damage. So, you will need to find a balance between weight and durability.
Hose fittings attach to sprinklers, nozzles and spigots. The least expensive hoses typically supplied with plastic fittings, but these are prone to leaks and cracks. You may also find that plastic fittings are difficult to properly tighten.
Metal fittings tend to have an octagonal shape, which makes it easy to turn the fitting using a wrench. Metal fittings tend to offer greater leak resistance and are more durable.
It is also worth looking to see if the hose has a collar that extends up the hose from one of the fittings. This can reduce the chances of splitting or kinking near the spigot.
Practically all hoses will kink. This can not only reduce or even stop the water flow, but can increase the chances of the hose becoming cracked or split. The most effective way to prevent kinking is to use a reel. A hose reel allows rolling or unrolling of the hose without twisting.
Garden Hose Parts and Accessories
If your animals drink water from a hose or you want to use it to fill your child’s swimming pool, you will need to ensure that your hose is suitable for potable water. These types of hoses are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and provide the assurance that the hose will not leach BPA, lead or other potentially harmful contaminants into the water.
When properly maintained, garden hoses can last for years. There are some simple measures to ensure that you prolong the lifespan of your new hose. These include putting your hose away after use to reduce the likelihood of it becoming kinked, rotting from soil moisture or otherwise becoming damaged.
For this reason, many people employ a hose reel or hose hanger that can store a hose safely and keep it properly coiled. These devices are designed to evenly spread the weight of the hose. However, you need to ensure that you avoid mounting a hose hanger or keeping a hose reel in direct sunlight, which could damage the hose.
Before you put the hose away for winter, ensure that all the water is emptied out and you remove any attachments. While the open ends to allow for contraction and expansion of freezing water, freezing and thawing will weaken the hose fabric. You should also replace the washers as soon as they start to leak or drip. In addition to wasting water, a dripping hose can create a real mess in your yard.
Advice and Tips
In conclusion, we’ve discovered some fantastic garden hose models. From the Gilmour 840501-1001 that offers strength, durability and a reduced risk of kinking to the Flexzilla Pro with a no kink design, we’ve rated some excellent products.
However, the stand out as the best garden hose has to be our editor’s choice, the J&B XpandaHose. This hose can expand from 25 feet to 75 feet, making it suitable for most outdoor spaces, but is also offers corrosion resistant fittings, triple layered core and lightweight. The flexible design makes it easy to untangle and the hose offers 10 spray patterns to suit any garden chore.
