A reliable, durable garden hose is an essential tool for maintaining your outdoor spaces, whether you’re watering the lawn, rinsing off your patio, washing a vehicle, or tackling other outdoor chores. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere from $20–$40 on standard hoses, while high-quality expandable garden hoses or hoses over 50 feet can sometimes exceed $50 or $75.
To help you choose the right garden hose for your lawn care needs, we reviewed more than 50 top-rated models and analyzed over 200 customer reviews on Amazon. Our top recommendation is the Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden Hose, known for its kink resistance and all-weather performance. Explore our full buying guide below to see more of our expert picks.
Key Takeaways
- The Flexzilla 50-foot garden hose is our top pick because of its durability and flexibility.
- Top-rated garden hoses cost between $13 and $69, with an average cost of $43.
- We recommend looking for a garden hose made of durable, flexible material that is easy to store.
Top 5 Garden Hoses
- Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden Hose: Best Garden Hose Overall
- LINEX Garden Soaker Hose: Best Value
- Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose: Best Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
- Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose: Best Expandable Hose
- TheFitLife Metal Garden Hose: Best Stainless Steel Garden Hose
Compare Top Garden Hoses
The table below highlights our top picks for the best garden hose options.
| Product | Image | Available Lengths | Material | Operating Temperature Range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden HoseCheck Price | | 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 75 feet | Polymer and aluminum | -40–140 degrees Fahrenheit | 7.8 pounds |
LINEX Garden Soaker HoseCheck Price | | 15, 25, 50, or 75 feet | Vinyl | Not provided | 0.45 pounds |
Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden HoseCheck Price | | 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet | Rubber and brass | -25–200 degrees Fahrenheit | 9.7 pounds |
Flexi Hose Expandable Garden HoseCheck Price |  | 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet | Latex, rubber, and brass | 41–113 degrees Fahrenheit | 2.7 pounds |
TheFitLife Metal Garden HoseCheck Price |  | 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet | Stainless steel | 10–140 degrees Fahrenheit | 11 pounds |
Our Reviews of the Best Garden Hoses
Here we provide important information about our choices for the top garden hoses, including their pros and cons, their best uses, and what real customers are saying about them.
Best Garden Hose Overall
Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden Hose
Good for: Homeowners who want to store a durable, flexible hose outdoors.
This medium-duty Flexzilla garden hose features a distinctive green coating designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures ranging from -40–140 degrees Fahrenheit. Its flexible hybrid polymer construction allows the hose to lay flat and resist kinks during use. It’s also safe for drinking water, adding to its versatility for residential use.
Pros and Cons of Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden Hose
- Lays flat and avoids kinks
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
- Resists abrasions in multiple environments
- The grip is not as comfortable as some other brands
- May become susceptible to mold growth, according to some users
Key Features
- Available Lengths: 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet
- Material: Hybrid polymer
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
What People Are Saying About The Flexzilla 50-Foot Garden Hose
Many customers on Amazon praise the Flexzilla hose for its durability, kink resistance, and high-quality metal fittings, noting the hose is easy to maneuver for general tasks. However, some users find it heavier than expected and challenging to navigate around delicate plants or store neatly.
Best Value
LINEX Garden Soaker Hose
Good for: Homeowners looking for value in a lightweight garden hose.
This lightweight soaker hose is a practical choice for both landscaping and garden beds. Designed to release water at a steady rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM) at 50 pounds per square inch (PSI), this hose provides efficient, targeted irrigation for raised beds, tilled soil, and other planting areas.
Pros and Cons of LINEX Garden Soaker Hose
- Lightest weight hose on our list
- Cheapest option among our top-rated garden hoses
- Plastic inner core resists kinking and knotting
- Some users reported uneven water flow
- Inexpensive, but has a shorter warranty than most brands we reviewed
Key Features
- Available Lengths: 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet
- Material: Vinyl
- Weight: 0.45 pounds
What People Are Saying About The LINEX Garden Soaker Hose
Satisfied customers have noted that this vinyl soaker hose was easy to unbox, simple to use, and performed well during initial use. Despite its lightweight design, the hose stayed in place as intended. However, some Amazon customers reported issues with durability, including leaks after minimal use and concerns about overall longevity.
Best Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose
Good for: Homeowners or business owners looking for a hose to use on their lawn or for commercial purposes.
Built for tough jobs, this durable garden hose from Briggs and Stratton is well-suited for home, commercial, and industrial use alike. Its heavy-duty rubber and brass construction holds up under rough handling and stands up to extreme temperatures and weather conditions without missing a beat.
Pros and Cons of Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose
- Good for use with water temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Retains flexibility in cold weather
- Versatile enough for home or heavy-duty jobs like cleaning multi-car driveways
- Not as flexible as some other brands and models we’ve reviewed
- Occasionally leaves black residue on users’ hands, based on customer reviews
Key Features
- Available Lengths: 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet
- Material: Rubber and brass
- Weight: 9.7 pounds
What People Are Saying About The Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose
Customers on Amazon appreciate this hose for its strong rubber construction, flexibility, and kink resistance, which make it easy to navigate around obstacles and cover larger garden areas. However, some reviewers note that the rubber material has an industrial feel and can leave black residue on your hands during use.
Best Expandable Hose
Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose
Good for: Homeowners looking for a flexible, expandable hose that is easy to store.
This lightweight expandable garden hose contracts to a compact size for easy storage, then quickly expands when water is turned on, making it convenient for everyday use. The hose also includes an eight-pattern spray nozzle with options like shower, mist, cone, and stream, offering the flexibility to tackle a variety of watering tasks.
Pros and Cons of Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose
- Features a tough latex core that provides durability
- Has solid brass connectors good for any spigot
- Offers versatility with an eight-pattern spray nozzle
- Runs on the expensive side compared to other options on our list
- Some customers have reported leaks within a year of use
Key Features
- Available Lengths: 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 feet
- Material: Flexible fabric and brass
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
What People Are Saying About The Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose
Many Amazon users have praised this expandable garden hose for its lightweight design, high-quality materials, and ability to expand and contract quickly without tangling. However, other reviewers reported durability issues, including leaks or ruptures after extended use, raising concerns about the hose’s long-term reliability.
Best Stainless Steel Garden Hose
TheFitLife Metal Garden Hose
Good for: Homeowners who want a sturdy, reliable means of watering their lawn.
This durable stainless steel garden hose delivers water in seconds, offering a quick and reliable solution for everyday lawn care. With a generous 100-foot length, it’s a good choice for covering large outdoor areas without the hassle of constantly repositioning a hose.
Pros and Cons of TheFitLife Metal Garden Hose
- Has a stainless steel composition that resists rust
- Features a design that resists kinking and fraying
- Provides versatility with a multi-function spray nozzle
- The grip is not as comfortable as other brands
- Most expensive hose on our list
Key Features
- Available Lengths: 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 11 pounds
What People Are Saying About The TheFitLife Metal Garden Hose
Most Amazon reviewers have found this metal garden hose durable, easy to maneuver, and strong enough for a variety of outdoor tasks. The 100-foot version received praise for offering plenty of reach across large yards. However, some users noted difficulty securing the hose to spigots or nozzles, while others mentioned an unpleasant odor from the water, likely due to the inner lining.
Garden Hose Buying Guide
Before buying a garden hose, first look at the length of the hose and see if its length allows you to reach all areas of your garden or lawn. The hose diameter is also an important factor, as it can affect water flow.
From there, you can begin to compare factors such as material, flexibility, couplings, and any extra features a hose has that will help it work best for your application. This buying guide can give you more information so you can choose the best garden hose for your home.
Garden Hose Length
A garden hose’s size is measured by its length, with most models being between five and 100 feet long. If you only need to water your garden, a 15 or 25-foot hose may work, depending on the location of the spigot. If you have a larger yard or need your garden hose to weave through a variety of objects, a longer hose like the Flexzilla Garden 50-Foot Hose is a better option.
Garden Hose Diameter
The diameter of a garden hose affects its water flow. Most standard garden hoses measure 5/8 inches in diameter, but some hoses have larger or smaller diameters of 3/4 or 1/2 inches. A larger hose diameter provides greater water volume and pressure, but typically makes for a heavier, more cumbersome design.
Garden Hose Materials
Not every garden hose is lead-free, so it’s always worth double-checking the material composition, especially if there’s a chance you could use the hose to transport potable water. In that case, verify the hose is dead free, non-toxic, Bisphenol A (BPA)-free, and certified as drinking water safe by a neutral regulatory authority.
Most water hoses are made out of vinyl rubber or polyester and latex. The most durable rubber hoses like the Briggs and Stratton 50-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose have a crush-proof, scratch-resistant shell. However, rubber hoses are typically more expensive and less flexible than their polyurethane and latex counterparts.
Expandable garden hoses typically have a latex core and a polyester covering. This combination of materials allows the hose to expand and contract without sacrificing flexibility and durability.
Garden Hose Flexibility
A flexible hose is easier to handle and less likely to kink or twist during use. If you want a flexible hose, look for an expandable garden hose or any hose that’s advertised as “kink-resistant” or “no-kink.”
Garden Hose Couplings
Couplings are the fittings on the end of a garden hose. Aluminum or brass couplings are the most common type, but some manufacturers use plastic fittings instead. Couplings are important because they allow users to connect the end of the hose to the spigot as well as pressure washers, sprayers, sprinklers, and other garden hose nozzles and accessories.
Other Garden Hose Features
Some types of hoses come with additional features to help with water supply transportation. For example, some garden hoses are capped with a brass fitting that doubles as a shut-off valve. Or, other models have swivel grips that make connecting to a spigot easier.
Tips for Using a Garden Hose
To get the most use out of your garden hose while keeping your yard and plants healthy, consider the following tips:
- Check for leaks: Before using your garden hose, look for any visible holes or puncture marks. Try to fix any holes or puncture marks using duct tape or consider replacing the hose.
- Use water when it’s cool outside: Using your garden hose during the heat of the day causes some of the water to evaporate, resulting in wasted water and a higher water bill. As an alternative, water your lawn or plants early in the morning or when the sun goes down.
- Watch for overwatering: Try to avoid overwatering your grass, plants, or other vegetation in your yard. While it’s easy to add more water as needed, you can’t remove water.
- Use a spray nozzle: Adding a spray nozzle to your garden hose means you can adjust the spray pattern and water pressure. For example, delicate flowers may need a gentle mist, while other vegetation can handle a stronger stream of water.
- Storage: When you’re finished using your garden hose, store it properly. Consider using a hose reel or hanger to keep the hose organized and out of the way. Building your own garden hose holder is also a fairly simple project.
Types of Garden Hoses
Garden hoses not only come in all sorts of materials and lengths, but can also perform specific functions. You wouldn’t use an industrial-grade fire hose to water your flower bed, after all.
Here’s a breakdown of different types of garden hose and their uses:
- Coiled hose: Spring-shaped and space-saving, coiled hoses retract automatically and work best on small gardens, decks, and patios with limited storage.
- Commercial-grade hose: Built for industrial or high-traffic use, these hoses typically have thick walls, reinforced couplings, and higher burst pressure ratings for maximum durability.
- Drip hose (drip irrigation hose): Engineered for precision, these hoses deliver water directly to plant roots via small emitters, ideal for conserving water in vegetable gardens or landscaped beds.
- Expandable hose: These compact hoses expand when filled with water and contract when empty, offering easy storage and maneuverability, though they may wear out faster than traditional options.
- Flat hose: Similar in design to a fire hose, flat hoses are lightweight and easy to store. However, you must fully unroll these hoses before use and they’re generally less durable than other options.
- Rubber hose: Heavier but highly durable, rubber hoses resist cracking, kinking, and extreme weather, making them ideal for frequent or professional use.
- Soaker hose: Designed to slowly release water through tiny pores, soaker hoses are ideal for deep, consistent watering in garden beds, borders, and around foundations.
- Stainless steel hose: Featuring a flexible metal casing over an inner tubing, stainless steel hoses are extremely durable and highly resistant to punctures, ultraviolet (UV) light damage, and crushing.
- Vinyl hose: Lightweight and inexpensive, vinyl hoses are best for occasional use and small yards but can may kink and wear in extreme temperatures.
FAQs About Garden Hoses
What brand of garden hose is the best?
We found that the Flexzilla 50-foot garden hose is best in class, with durability, flexibility, and a price point suitable for most homeowners in the market for a light-duty water hose. However, at $12.99 on Amazon, the lightweight LINUX Garden Soaker hose is the best choice for value.
What type of garden hose doesn’t kink?
Look for garden hose brands specifically labeled as “kink-free” or “kinking resistant.” These hoses are typically made of hard rubber, metal, or fabric engineered to lay flat and expand when filled with water.
How long should a quality garden hose last?
A garden hose typically lasts between five and 10 years, depending on factors like the material quality, climate, and how often it’s used. To help extend its lifespan, it’s best to drain the hose after each use to prevent internal damage and wear.
How do I fix a leaking garden hose?
To fix a leaking hose, first find the spot where water is escaping. If the nozzle is leaking, replace the rubber washer. If the hose itself has a small puncture, use waterproof hose repair tape to cover the leak.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best garden hose recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
- Initial research: Our research process began by compiling a list of 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.