The Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable with 8-Position Nozzle is our top pick for the best expandable hose, thanks to its durable construction, versatile spray settings, and user-friendly design. Unlike traditional garden hoses, expandable models stretch when filled with water and shrink for compact storage, offering added convenience without sacrificing performance.
Prices typically range from $20–$75 or more, depending on length and features. Use this guide to compare top-rated options and find the best expandable hose for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Flexi Hose’s 100-foot expandable with an 8-function nozzle is our top choice because of its durability and lifetime warranty.
- The average price of our top five expandable garden hoses is $57, with a range of $30–$90.
- Look for an expandable hose that’s the right length for your needs, is proven durable, and offers a nozzle with multiple spray positions.
Top 5 Expandable Garden Hoses
- Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose with 8-Function Nozzle: Best Overall
- HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose: Best Value
- Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose: Most Durable
- Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose with Turbo Shot Nozzle: Most Flexible
- Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose with 10-Pattern Nozzle: Best Small Hose
Compare Top Expandable Garden Hoses
The table below highlights our top picks for the best expandable garden hose options.
| Product | Image | Size | Material | Color | Maximum Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose with 8-Function NozzleCheck Price | | 100 feet | Latex | Blue and black | 174 | Lifetime |
HydroTech Expandable Garden HoseCheck Price | | 25 feet | Plastic | Gray and blue | 60 | 10 years |
Rosy Earth Expandable Garden HoseCheck Price | | 100 feet | Stainless steel | Silver | 72.5 | 1 year |
Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose with Turbo Shot NozzleCheck Price |  | 75 feet | Aluminum | Black | 650 | 5 years |
Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose with 10-Pattern NozzleCheck Price |  | 25 feet | Aluminum, copper, and latex | Black and copper | 650 | 5 years |
Our Reviews of the Best Expandable Garden Hoses
Learn more about our picks for the best garden hoses, along with key features and what customers have to say about each model.
Best Overall
Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose with 8-Function Nozzle
Good for: Homeowners who need a long, easy-to-store, durable, and flexible hose for routine outdoor tasks, like car washing and plant watering.
This expandable hose kit stretches up to 100 feet and features a nozzle with eight spray patterns, along with a textured rubber handle for enhanced grip. Built for durability, it features four layers of latex and performs reliably in temperatures ranging from 41–113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros and Cons of Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose with 8-Function Nozzle
- Comes with a lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee
- Can withstand hot and cold temperatures
- Offers eight spray patterns
- Nozzle is reportedly flimsy, according to some customer reviews
- Customers may have difficulty reaching the company to take advantage of the lifetime replacement guarantee
Key Features
- Size: 100 feet
- Maximum PSI: 174
- Warranty: Lifetime
What People Are Saying About The Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose with 8-Function Nozzle
Customers on Amazon appreciate the Flexi Hose for its lightweight, kink-free design that makes it easy to handle and store, especially compared to heavier, more cumbersome hoses. However, some reviewers were disappointed by the spray nozzle’s durability and encountered challenges when attempting to redeem the lifetime replacement guarantee, with a few receiving substitute products instead of the original hose.
Best Value
HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose
Good for: Homeowners seeking a compact, expandable hose for gardening or light cleaning tasks.
This 25-foot hose stands out for its competitive price and durable construction, which withstands repeated use well. Weighing just 2.4 pounds when empty, it’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver, which can benefit homeowners looking to use this hose for watering their plants.
Pros and Cons of HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose
- Has a versatile, durable design that doesn’t burst with use
- Shrinks to just nine feet when empty
- Includes a 10-year warranty
- Potentially too light duty for large yards
- Doesn’t extend as far as some other hoses in this review
Key Features
- Size: 25 feet
- Maximum PSI: 60
- Warranty: 10 years
What People Are Saying About The HydroTech Expandable Garden Hose
Customers generally appreciated this hose for its lightweight, easy-to-handle design and the reassurance of a 10-year warranty. Many reviewers on Amazon noted its sturdy construction, however, others expressed frustration with unusual noises during use and limitations in how far the hose can extend, especially at lower water pressure.
Most Durable
Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose
Good for: Customers who need a durable, heavy-duty, and long garden hose to reach all areas of a large lawn.
This heavy-duty garden hose extends up to 100 feet, making it long enough for nearly any-sized yard. It features a completely kink-free design, while also being lightweight and easy to transport when empty. This hose also has connectors on both ends for added convenience.
Pros and Cons of Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose
- Made from metal and doesn’t kink
- Available in several sizes
- Has brass nozzle fittings that work on both low and high water pressure
- Metal material can get heavy when filled
- Some customers felt it lacked water pressure
Key Features
- Size: 100 feet
- Maximum PSI: 72.5
- Warranty: 1 year
What People Are Saying About The Rosy Earth Expandable Garden Hose
Customers have praised this hose for its durable, kink-free construction and lightweight design, noting that it was easy to handle and roll up after use. However, some reviews mentioned the hose didn’t expand as much as expected and delivered lower water pressure than anticipated.
Most Flexible
Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose with Turbo Shot Nozzle
Good for: Customers who want a flexible, portable hose to use for small household tasks.
This lightweight hose expands when filled and contracts when the water is turned off in seconds. It’s designed with a flexible outer fabric material that prevents kinks and is easy to store away. This hose features lead-free connectors and a “bullet-shell” outer casing designed to minimize snagging.
Pros and Cons of Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose with Turbo Shot Nozzle
- Collapses to the size of a pocket hose when not in use
- Has a lightweight design that’s easy to move
- Is available in sizes ranging from 25–100 feet
- Some customers have said the hose developed holes after continuous use
- Can sometimes drip easily
Key Features
- Size: 75 feet
- Maximum PSI: 60
- Warranty: 5 years
What People Are Saying About The Pocket Hose Silver Bullet Expandable Garden Hose with Turbo Shot Nozzle
Reviews on Amazon have highlighted the hose’s flexibility, ease of maneuverability, and ability to contract neatly for storage. Plus, many customers have found this product more convenient than traditional rubber hoses. However, some users reported durability issues over time, including leaks and holes that caused water to spray from the sides.
Best Small Hose
Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose with 10-Pattern Nozzle
Good for: Homeowners looking for a small hose with a durable design and a variety of spray nozzle options.
This durable, portable hose features a lead-free design infused with copper for enhanced durability. It’s made with a tear-resistant polymer and three layers of latex for flexibility. The hose has a variety of spray nozzles, including shower, cone, flat, mist, and steam, making it effective for nearly any use.
Pros and Cons of Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose with 10-Pattern Nozzle
- Has 10 spray settings for different uses
- Nozzle features easy-grip connectors and an added textured surface for easier twisting
- Has a non-slip grip, so it’s easy to hold even when wet
- Is only available in one size
- Some customers feel it lacks water pressure
Key Features
- Size: 25 feet
- Maximum PSI: 650
- Warranty: 5 years
What People Are Saying About The Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Garden Hose with 10-Pattern Nozzle
Customers on Amazon found this expandable garden hose convenient and efficient, praising its quick expansion and contraction, strong water pressure, and durable construction. Many also noted how easy it was to switch out the nozzle. However, some experienced issues with leaking at connection points and found it challenging to attach the hose securely to a water source.
Expandable Garden Hose Buying Guide
Before purchasing an expandable garden hose, it’s important to consider the features you need most 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 number of spray nozzle patterns. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best expandable garden hose for your home and outdoor space.
Expandable Garden Hose Length
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 a spigot with a lower flow rate.
Expandable Garden Hose Materials and Colors
The exterior of your hose will likely feature a durable fabric cover, although you can also find rubber hoses. The hose core, on the other hand, is usually made out of one of two materials: latex or thermoplastic copolyester.
- Latex: Water hoses with a latex core usually have two, three, or four layers. A core with more layers will provide more protection, but it also results in a less flexible hose overall.
- Thermoplastic copolyester: This material is heat-resistant and more durable than latex, but it’s also more expensive.
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 Garden Hose Fittings
You can find different materials for the connectors, couplings, and fittings that attach your hose to the water supply, as well as for nozzles and sprinkler heads.
- Plastic fittings: Plastic fittings are typically more affordable but less durable than alternative materials.
- 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 offer more durability than plastic.
What To 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 facilitates ease of use, durability, and multiple spray patterns. Although it costs a little more to buy a hose and nozzle separately, you may find it worth finding the corresponding model for each one.
Expandable Garden Hose Uses
An expandable garden hose is a versatile tool that you can use for a wide range of outdoor tasks. Here’s a list of some of our favorite alternative uses for this type of 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 your hose to clean windows, outdoor furniture, and other delicate surfaces. The adjustable spray settings can help you achieve the proper water pressure for each outdoor cleaning task.
- Emergency uses: An expandable hose can serve as a temporary water source for tasks like extinguishing small fires or flushing wounds.
- Farming applications: You can also use expandable hoses in a pinch for specific farming tasks, such as irrigating small fields or watering livestock.
- Filling pools and inflatable items: If you have a small inflatable pool, expandable hoses can quickly fill it up.
- Washing automobiles: You can use an expandable hose 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 to help remove dirt, debris, leaves, and stains. You can also use hoses to pre-wet the landscape to help prevent materials from being burned by a cleaner.
Maintenance and Storage Tips
Your expandable hose will last longer and serve you well if you take proper care of it. Here are a few tips for maintaining and storing an expandable garden hose.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the best qualities of an expandable hose is how easy it is to store once the water has been drained. Many contract enough to fit back into their original plastic casing, which you can store on a garage shelf or under a cabinet until it’s needed for the next job.
Keep your hose in good shape with 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.
Repair Tips
Most expandable hoses can’t get repaired once they start leaking due to their material. If you notice your hose is leaking, consider reaching out to the manufacturer, especially if it’s still under warranty. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new one.
Seasonal Storage
An important part of winter preparation for your lawn is moving your hose to a dry spot in your house where it won’t get exposed to freezing temperatures. If you store your hose on a hose reel outside during the warm months, bring the entire apparatus into a sheltered area where the freezing temperatures won’t cause long-term damage.
FAQs About Expandable Garden Hoses
What is the downside of expandable hoses?
Expandable hoses are potentially more vulnerable to punctures, leaks, and reduced durability compared to traditional hoses, especially when dragged across rough surfaces or exposed to harsh weather conditions. They may also shrink over time and lose elasticity with frequent use.
How long do expandable hoses really last?
Expandable hoses typically last 1–3 years, depending on their build quality, frequency of use, and the level of maintenance. Exposure to the sun, extreme temperatures, or rough handling can significantly shorten their lifespan.
Do expandable hoses reduce water pressure?
Expandable hoses typically don’t reduce water pressure on their own. However, if the hose is excessively long, kinked, or made from lower-quality materials, it can restrict the flow. Properly maintained, high-quality hoses typically maintain normal water pressure.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best possible recommendations for expandable garden hoses, we rely on several key sources of information to guide our selection process.
- Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of expandable garden hoses with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars on Amazon. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
- Expert insights: Through 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 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 do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts 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 over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Additional Gardening Resources
In case searching for the right hose is just part of a larger gardening mission, we’ve compiled some of our top-rated gardening and lawn care tips, guides, and videos below.