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In This Review: Our Top Picks | Buying Guide | Garden Hose FAQ | Additional Resources | Our Methodology
Unlike traditional garden hoses, expandable hoses grow to their full length when filled with water and shrink when they’re no longer in use, making them easy to store and maneuver around your yard. Expandable garden hoses are about the same price as other garden hoses, and can run anywhere from $20 to $75 or more.
To help you find the best expandable garden hose for you, we researched the top products on the market. Overall, our top choice is the Flexi Hose Expandable Kit, which is a 100-foot hose with eight spray pattern options and a textured rubber grip for easy use. Read our buying guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 5 Expandable Hoses
*Links open to product retail page.
- Best Overall: Flexi Hose Expandable Kit
- Best Small Hose: HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose
- Most Durable: Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose
- Most Flexible: Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose
- Easiest to Use: Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose
Compare Top Expandable Garden Hoses
| Product | Size | Material | Color | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexi Hose Expandable Kit | 100 feet | Latex | Green | Lifetime |
| HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose | 25 feet | Plastic | Blue | 10 years |
| Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose | 100 feet | Metal | Silver | 1 year |
| Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden | 50 feet | Aluminum | Black | 5 years |
| Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose | 50 feet | Aluminum and copper | Black and copper | 5 years |
| Product | Size | Material | Color | Warranty |
Best Overall
Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose
- $83.08
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a solidly built, large garden hose with numerous nozzle functions.
What Are People Saying About the Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose?
Our team found that customers who liked the Flexi Hose found it lived up to its promise of being easy to use and store, remaining kink-free even when coiled. Unfortunately, we also saw that some customers said that the spray nozzle felt a little flimsy. They also had difficulty finding information on the lifetime replacement guarantee.
“Our previous hose was incredibly heavy (tore the hose holder off the wall), was unwieldy and generally a major pain in the butt. It was to the point we just used a watering can because unfurling this beast was so much work. After reading the reviews on this page I decided to give this a try. I cannot believe how great this hose is. We purchased the 100 foot length and I can hold the whole thing in one hand, unbelievable.” — Luka via Amazon
“I loved the ease of using this hose. It was lightweight, easy to store and worked great until it developed a leak less than 2 years from when I bought it. Since it came with a lifetime warranty, I reached out to the seller. They responded quickly, but much to my dismay, they sent me a cheaper version of this hose. They said they were out of the Flexi Hose, so they sent me the Rocket hose, which is much cheaper to buy.” — Mina C. via Amazon
Best Small Hose
HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose
- $29.94
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeonwers looking for a small expandable hose for gardening or light-cleaning jobs.
What Are People Saying About the HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose?
We found that customers who liked this product said that it was lightweight and easy to maneuver, and others were impressed with the 10-year warranty. We also found several reviews that mentioned this hose’s sturdy, durable design. However, we did see some reviews that said this hose made odd noises while it was running, and some others said that it didn’t extend as far as advertised.
“I love retractable hoses, and this one is the toughest so far. I use it for watering my garden, which is all in pots, so I need flexibility and light. As I have back surgery in the near future, this hose really fits the bill, which is much appreciated.” — Lauri Sodetani Marsh via Amazon
“This is a lightweight hose, neat and easy to store, but it did not extend the full length. The water had to be on full force to extend and wouldn’t remain extended at a lower flow rate. The nozzle it came with was shoddy. I couldn’t see myself doing anything constructive with this. I was well made, though..” — Debrajenar via Amazon
Most Durable
Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose
- $69.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers looking for a long-extending hose that can hold up well over time.
What Are People Saying About the Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose?
Customers who gave this hose positive reviewes raved about its lightweight, kink-free design that was durable and easy to use. Others pointed out that it was easy to roll up. However, some felt that this hose lacked water pressure, while others said it did not expand easily.
“Super quality. More than enough water to feed my power sprayer. Lightweight. Does not kink. Easy to move around. Lightweight but also tough. I’ll be buying a couple more! — GH via Amazon
.“I purchased this hose because of the claim that it is expandable. A typical expandable hose is very lightweight and greatly expands when it fills with water. When the water is off and the hose is drained, it returns to a small size. This is not like that at all. It is heavy and maybe expands a little. For me, this hose is better than the traditional rubber hose because it is kink free, but not nearly as convenient as typical expandable hoses.” — Alan via Amazon
Most Flexible
Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose
- $28.39
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who want a flexible, portable hose to use for small household tasks.
What Are People Saying About the Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose?
Our research showed that reviewers who gave this product a satisfactory review commented on the flexibility of the material, how easily it contracted, and how easy it was to maneuver. However, others had issues with it breaking down over time, and some had issues with holes developing, causing water to spray out of the sides.
“I like this hose very much. Originally I thought this is just another hose with flexible materials instead of those hard rubber ones. But when I got it, I noticed this is a lot easier to use and store. The materials can expand when you pull and contract back when you store, so you don’t need another reel when you decide to put it away. Plus the material is a lot stronger than it appears.” — Shirley P. via Amazon
“This was a pleasant hose to use until it broke after just five months. First it suddenly split along the side while using, just sprung a leak. After turning it off untried to unscrew it from the watering wand it was connected to, but … the rubber supports just screwed off instead, meaning I will need a tool to remove it...” — B Smith via Amazon
Easiest to Use
Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose
- $55
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a medium-sized hose with a durable design and variety of spray nozzle options.
What Are People Saying About the Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose?
We noted that customers were pleased with this expandable garden hose’s quick expansion and contraction and that it was easy to change the nozzle and had excellent water pressure. Several others also commented on its durable design. On the other hand, there were some reviewers who had issues with this hose leaking, and others felt it was difficult to attach it to a water source.
“This hose does what it says it does, and that is a big deal. Right off the bat, the box is 7 x 8.5 x 5 in dimension, so you already know how compact it becomes when stowing it away. The fittings are easy to use, the open-close valve is super useful, and when you fill the hose with water with the valve closed, it very quickly expands to 50 ft, but it is still super pliable even when at max length!” —Atif F. via Amazon
“After two months of use, I disconnected the hose from the spigot before a deep freeze. Upon reconnection, it leaks from the bib connection. Rubber grommets and seals appear to be okay and connection is properly threaded and tightened but still leaks. At the time of reconnection, water also started leaking at the sprayer end even though it was never disconnected.” —Anathema Mike via Amazon
Expandable Hose Buying Guide
Before buying an expandable garden hose, it’s important to consider what features you require in your model. Before determining what expandable garden hose is best for your needs, consider factors such as the hose’s length and material, as well as the type and amount of spray nozzle patterns. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best expandable garden hose for your home.
What is the standard hose length of an expandable garden hose?
Choose a hose that’s long enough to water your entire lawn and all of your plants. If you have a large yard, you may want a longer hose, but if you only need to water a few plants on your deck, a smaller hose will suffice.
Standard hose lengths are 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. However, remember that a hose may not expand to its advertised length if your water pressure is low. For example, a 75-foot hose may only expand to 65 feet when hooked up to your spigot if it has a lower flow rate.
What fitting material is an expandable garden hose usually made from?
The connectors, couplings, and fittings that attach your hose to the water supply and nozzles or sprinkler heads can be made of different materials.
- Plastic fittings: Plastic fittings are typically more affordable but less durable than alternatives.
- Aluminum fittings: Aluminum typically lasts longer than plastic, but not as long as brass.
- Brass fittings: Solid brass fittings won’t corrode or rust and are more durable than plastic.
What core material is an expandable garden hose made from?
The exterior of your hose will likely feature a durable fabric cover, although rubber hoses are also available. However, the hose core can be made of one of two materials:
- Latex: Water hoses with a latex core usually have two, three, or four layers. A core with more layers will give you more protection, but it also makes for a less flexible hose overall.
- Thermoplastic copolyester: This material is heat-resistant and more durable than latex, but it’s also more expensive.
What should you look for in a garden hose nozzle?
Some expandable hoses have nozzles that allow you to change the spray pattern. Pay close attention to the product description of your hose to ensure you know whether a nozzle is included.
Some features to look for in a nozzle include an ergonomic design that helps with ease of use, durability, and several spray patterns. Although it costs a little more to buy a hose and nozzle separately, it may be worth finding the corresponding model for each one.
What colors do garden hoses typically come in?
The color of your expandable garden hose isn’t the most important consideration, but you may want a hose that’s highly visible and easy to spot in your backyard. Conversely, you might want a dark green hose that blends in with the color of your grass. It’s worth noting that black hoses will get hotter in direct sunlight than green, blue, or orange-colored hoses.
Expandable Hose Uses
Expandable garden hoses are excellent, versatile tools for numerous outdoor tasks. Here are some of our favorite alternative uses for a hose.
- Bathing pets: The gentle water flow from an expandable hose makes it a good tool for bathing your dog or cat. Connect a suitable attachment or use a handheld sprayer to give your furry friends a comfortable and thorough cleaning.
- Cleaning windows and outdoor furniture: Attach a soft bristle brush or sponge to the end of the hose to clean windows, outdoor furniture, and other delicate surfaces. The adjustable spray settings will help you achieve the proper water pressure for each task.
- Emergency uses: An expandable hose can serve as a temporary water source for tasks like extinguishing small fires or flushing wounds.
- Farming applications: Expandable hoses can also be useful in a pinch for certain farming tasks like irrigating small fields or watering livestock.
- Filling pools and inflatable items: If you have a small inflatable pool, expandable hoses can quickly fill them up.
- Washing automobiles: The expandable hose can be useful for washing cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles. Attach a nozzle with adjustable spray settings to provide gentle or high water pressure for effective cleaning.
- Washing off surfaces: Use the hose to clean surfaces around your home, such as patios, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. For more power, you can also attach it to a pressure washer. It can help remove dirt, debris, leaves, and stains. You can also use hoses to prewet landscape to help avoid the materials getting burned with a cleaner. This Old House‘s Mark McCullough demonstrates how to clean the hardscape around your home in the video below.
Expandable Garden Hose FAQs
What are some of the disadvantages of purchasing an expandable garden hose?
Here are some of the most significant drawbacks of choosing an expandable hose:
- It doesn’t last as long as a regular garden hose
- It may be easier to puncture than a regular or soaker hose.
- It isn’t easy to locate and repair holes hidden by the fabric sheath
Is a hose reel necessary for a hose to work?
Hose reels are not necessary to operate expandable and regular garden hoses. Retractable hoses also don’t require a reel, although you may prefer to use one. Reels keep your hose organized and kink-free, so while they’re not necessary, they are helpful.
How can I maintain my garden hose?
To maintain your hose, follow these tips:
- Turn the water off when the hose isn’t in use
- Store the hose out of direct sunlight
- Keep the hose away from sharp objects
- Drain the hose after using it
- Keep your hose in a safe, dry spot
- Invest in a hose holder or, better yet, build a wooden hose holder yourself
Can I fix my expandable garden hose if it has a leak?
Most expandable hoses can’t be fixed once they start leaking because of the material they’re made of. If you notice that your hose leaks, consider reaching out to the manufacturer, especially if your hose is under warranty. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new one.
Additional Gardening Resources
In case searching for the right hose is just part of a larger mission, we’ve compiled some of our top-rated gardening and lawn care tips, guides, and videos below.
Roundups and Reviews
- Best Fertilizer Spreaders
- Best Gifts for Gardeners
- Best Lawn Care Service Companies
- Best Sprinklers
- Tools for First-Time Gardeners
Tips and Tutorials
- Best Year-Round Lawn Care Schedule
- How to Create a Backyard Oasis
- How to Treat Your Lawn Organically
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn
- Which Grass is Best for Your Area?
How We Selected the Best Expandable Hoses
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of expandable hoses with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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