A quality garden hose can be a great tool, whether you’re an avid outdoor gardener or need to wash your car. But with so many options out there — along with various features and accessories — finding a hose that fits your specific needs may require a little more research.
They can be an investment, too: A good quality hose, nozzle and reel combined can cost upwards of $150, says Bailey Carson, a home care expert at online directory and review forum Angi with over seven years of lawn care experience. “Less expensive options don’t last quite as long, but if you take good care of them — like storing them in the winter and rolling them up between use — you can still get a lot of use out of them,” says Carson.
To simplify your search, we consulted home and gardening experts about how to shop for the best hose and rounded up their picks, as well as some quality nozzles and reels to pair with your hose.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best garden hoses | The best garden hoses to shop in 2024 | The best hose nozzles | The best hose reels | How to shop for a garden hose
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How we picked the best garden hoses
Nikki Flickinger, a seasonal and outdoor living merchant at Lowe’s, says the type of hose you choose will depend on the tasks you need it for. All of the expert-recommended options in our list fall into three major categories:
- Standard hoses are typically made of vinyl or rubber. If you expect to use your hose for tasks like watering your lawn or hosing down your car, experts recommend an all-purpose standard vinyl hose, the most affordable option. A more durable standard rubber hose — which can be a little pricier — may be better if you store your hose outside or often use hot water.
- Coiled hoses form a spring shape when not in use and are light-duty enough to water small areas.
- Soaker hoses have tiny punctures that allow for slow-drip irrigation into your garden to keep it healthy, especially when paired with a timer. A soaker hose can be a great choice if you’re more of a hands-off gardener.
Our experts also offer guidance on how to shop for accessories like hose nozzles and hose reels below.
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The best garden hoses to shop in 2024
Below are expert-recommended standard, soaker and coiled hoses that align with our experts’ guidance.
Best standard garden hose: Flexzilla 100-foot Garden Hose
- Bright color
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Not fully kink-resistant
- Nozzle not included
This garden hose comes recommended by Carmen DeVito, founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult. Its material is a mix of vinyl and rubber, which have varying levels of flexibility and durability in weather conditions as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit while resisting abrasion, UV and mold, according to the brand. The hose is the most versatile on this list — you can choose from seven different lengths ranging from 3 feet long up to 100 feet long. It also comes in a bright green color so it’s easy to spot while you’re working outdoors and includes durable aluminum metal couplings. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 13,392 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Standard | Material: Hybrid polymer
Best soaker garden hose: Gilmour 75-foot Flat Soaker Hose
- Clog-resistant
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Not kink-free
With small pores that slowly release water, the steady and even flow of a soaker hose can be good for watering garden beds, flowers and other landscaping projects, according to our experts. This option by Gilmour is flexible and lightweight enough to be woven through your plants and gardens, and it folds flat for easy storage. It’s also covered in a clog-resistant fabric that can protect the hose against UV rays and wear, Gilmour says. You can purchase the hose in a 75-foot or 50-foot version, and it has a 4.2-star average rating from 2,176 Amazon reviews.
Type: Soaker | Material: Vinyl
Best coiled garden hose: Gardener’s Supply Company 50-foot Featherweight Coil Hose
- Easily retractable
- High water pressure resistance
- Nozzle not included
Julie Bawden-Davis, master gardener behind Healthy Houseplants, says this coiled hose has lasted her over eight years in Southern California, “where the sun can do a lot of damage to plastics.” She also says it fits well into tight spaces, yet can stretch up to 50 feet in length. The brand also offers the hose in 25-foot and 75-foot versions.
Type: Coiled | Material: Polyurethane
Best heavy-duty vinyl hose: Teknor Apex NeverKink XP 100-foot Garden Hose
- Very durable
- Bright color helps visibility
- Heavy to carry
Lacy Lange, a gardener and farmer at Homestead Farms, says she uses this NeverKink XP heavy-duty hose from Teknor Apex. “It’s heavy to drag around, but it can stand up to wear and tear,” she says, adding that the hose also has crush-resistant brass couplings that can be useful “in case they get run over by trucks or machinery” around her farm. The hose’s outer is abrasion-, puncture- and UV-resistant, according to the brand. It has a 4.2-star average rating from 163 reviews at Lowe’s.
Type: Standard | Material: Vinyl
Best heavy-duty rubber hose: Dramm ColorStorm 50-foot Garden Hose
- Kink-resistant
- Extremely durable
- Heavier weight
DeVito suggests this heavy-duty hose for large outdoor projects, like watering a larger chunk of your lawn or cleaning off your car. Bawden-Davis calls this a “durable” option — the hose is kink-resistant and can withstand hot water up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. You can also get this hose in a 25-foot or 50-foot length and it comes in a variety of bright colors, including Blue, Red, Orange and Yellow. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 608 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Standard | Material: Rubber
Best lightweight garden hose: zero-G 50-foot Garden Hose
- Very lightweight
- Doesn’t retract or expand
Lange recommends this garden hose from zero-G as a lightweight option — the brand says it weighs less than five pounds. The hose itself doesn’t expand or retract, which means it stays consistently at the same length and “doesn’t seem to take away your water pressure,” says Lange. The hose includes ergonomic metal couplings that are crush-proof up to 900 pounds, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from 7,238 reviews on Amazon.
Type: Standard | Material: Vinyl
Best all-in-one garden hose: Hoselink 82-foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- Nozzle included
- Easily retractable
- Handles make it easy to carry
- Can be cumbersome to handle
If you’re looking to save time and money with an all-in-one hose, nozzle and reel, Lange recommends this option from Hoselink. It comes with an all-season hose, an eight-pattern thumb-control spray nozzle and a hose reel that can pivot 180 degrees for easy maneuverability. The reel also integrates carry handles for easy transport, and the set includes hardware so you can install the reel on your wall. This hose has a 4.9-star average rating from 2,208 reviews at Hoselink.
Type: Standard | Material: Vinyl
Best expandable garden hose: GarrettWade Ultralight Expandable 75-foot Hose
- Very lightweight
- Can cover entire gardens
- Doesn’t include nozzle
DeVito also recommends this expandable garden hose from GarrettWade, which can expand from 28 feet to up to 75 feet long. The hose is very light-duty and weighs only three pounds, according to the brand. It’s also non-kinking and made with food-safe materials, the brand says.
Type: Standard | Material: Vinyl
Best hose nozzles to shop in 2024
Below are expert-recommended and highly rated garden hose nozzles that include pistol grip, watering wand and thumb-control nozzles. The nozzles also offer various spray patterns, including single-pattern and multi-pattern.
Best pistol grip nozzle: Melnor 5-Pattern Watering Nozzle
- Multiple spray settings
- Easy to use
- Nothing to note at this time
This metal hose nozzle from Melnor offers five water spray patterns — shower, stream, mist, flat and full — that can accommodate most basic gardening activities. It’s made from a combination of metal, plastic and rubber, so it’s lightweight, though not as durable as a nozzle made fully from metal. Lange says she uses this nozzle “mostly for cleaning purposes due to the different spray patterns.” It has a 4.3-star average rating from 927 reviews at Home Depot.
Best watering wand: Dramm 30-inch Rain Wand Nozzle
- Kink-resistant
- Extremely durable
- Heavier weight
Bawden-Davis recommends this 30-inch watering wand from Dramm, which can easily reach areas in your garden or lawn that may be harder to access. While it doesn’t have adjustable spray patterns, it produces a gentle rain shower that won’t damage plants, according to the brand. The watering wand, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 921 reviews on Amazon, is offered in a 16-inch size and features a thumb-control valve for ease of use.
Best single-pattern nozzle: Gilmour Full Size Zinc Pistol Grip Nozzle
- Simple design
- Easy water pressure control
- Only one spray setting
With a full metal construction, this single-pattern nozzle is durable and easy to use — simply push down on the trigger and adjust water flow as needed, according to the brand. It has a hold-open clip to keep water streaming continuously, and the small dial at the top allows you to control the force and flow of the water that comes out, Gilmour says. This nozzle has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 1,100 reviews on Amazon.
Best multi-pattern nozzle: Dramm 14505 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun
- Very comfortable
- Easy to switch between modes
- Vibrant colors
- Costs more than others
For a more comfortable option, DeVito recommends Dramm’s spray nozzles. This thumb-control one has a one-touch valve that can be quickly adjusted to control water flow without squeezing a trigger. It features nine spray patterns — from cone and shower to mist and fan — that can be selected using a quick-change dial. This nozzle has a 4.4-star average rating from 1, 532 reviews on Amazon. If you prefer a pistol grip nozzle, Bawden-Davis recommends this nine-pattern option from the brand.
Best hose reels to shop in 2024
Below are expert-recommended and highly rated hose reels across price points and functionality, including wall-mounted and portable options. In line with expert guidance, each of the following reels are open for easier storage and less bulk.
Best affordable hose reel: Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger
- Durable
- Takes minimal space
- Too small for bulky hoses
For a simple and affordable storage option, Lange recommends this hose hanger that can be mounted. It’s crafted from durable steel and features a curved design that can prevent your hose from sagging or getting tangled, the brand says. It’s also sturdy enough to hold 100 feet of a standard, 5/8-inch diameter garden hose, according to Yard Butler. It also comes in four colors — green, blue, purple and verdigris — and has a 4.7-star average rating from 4,710 reviews on Amazon.
Capacity: 100 ft of hose
Best wall-mounted hose reel: Liberty Garden 707 Wall Mount Hose Reel
- Easy to unravel
- Has shelf for tools/nozzles
- Expensive
Lange also calls this decorative, wall-mounted hose reel from Liberty Garden a great option if you don’t want to sacrifice style for utility. It’s constructed from non-rust cast aluminum with a nickel powder-coated finish that can help prevent water damage, according to the brand. Liberty Garden says it can hold up to 125 feet of a standard hose and features a shelf at the top to hold any outdoor gardening tools. It also includes a hose guide that lets you roll and unroll your hose without it getting bunched or tangled. This reel has a 4.4-star average rating from 1,049 reviews on Amazon.
Related
How to shop for a garden hose
Choosing the best garden hose depends on several factors, including the type ( mentioned above), length and material of the hose to fit your specific needs. Other factors to consider include how often you use your hose, the local climate and your budget. Experts say the length, diameter and fittings on a hose determine its water flow capacity.
Materials
The material of the hose typically determines its flexibility and durability. According to Flickinger, hoses are usually made from one of three materials:
- Vinyl is the most popular, affordable and lightweight choice.
- Polyurethane is lightweight, kink-resistant and typically found in coiled and air hoses.
- Rubber is the tougher, heavier and more flexible option that can be used for heavy duty job sites or hot water.
A hose’s kink resistance — an important factor — depends on the material. Polyurethane and rubber are fairly kink-resistant, while vinyl is more prone to kinking.
Hose strength
Hoses are labeled as light-, medium- or heavy-duty — each has its own specific uses and outdoor needs.
- Light-duty hoses are the most affordable option and can be good for small gardens and plant care since they’re typically lightweight and easier to maneuver, wind up and store. However, they’re best for infrequent gardening since they’re more susceptible to damage from the elements, bursts or punctures, according to Flickinger.
- Medium-duty hoses (also called standard hoses) can be a decent option for residential lawn and landscape maintenance, such as general gardening work. These offer a “better value than light-duty when watering more frequently” since they are more durable, says Flickinger.
- Heavy-duty hoses have thicker walls and are usually the most durable and sturdy option. “These hoses will most likely contain key features such as kink resistance, flexibility and durability” that let you leave them outside and exposed to the elements without risking damage, according to Flickinger. These hoses can be used for some pressure washer tasks, like washing outdoor walls and sidewalks.
Hose length
The experts we spoke to say length is among the most important considerations when buying a hose.
“The length of the hose is determined by the project requiring water or the size of your yard, patio or area that would be supported by the garden hose,” says Flickinger. She says popular lengths are 50 and 100 feet, with the latter being a better option if you have a larger yard or rely on just one water spigot (the device used to turn water on and off).
Hose Couplings
It’s important to pay attention to the couplings (also called fittings), which are the end pieces that connect the ends of the hose with water supplies like spigots, sprinklers and nozzles. According to Carson, they can be made of plastic or metal (typically brass, but also sometimes zinc and aluminum) — the latter is usually the more durable option. However, metal couplings can be harder to tighten on the spigot, while plastic fittings attach more easily due to their nylon or thermoplastic materials.
Ultimately, Carson says both metal and plastic couplings have their individual benefits. High-quality metal couplings “can withstand frequent use without breaking,” she said. Plastic couplings, on the other hand, “are less expensive than metal couplings and stay cooler, so they can be a good option for really hot climates.”
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Bailey Carson is a home care expert at Angi with over seven years of experience with lawn care.
- Nikki Flickinger is a seasonal and outdoor living merchant at Lowe’s.
- Julie Bawden-Davis is the master gardener behind the site Healthy Houseplants and author of “Southern California Vegetable Gardening.”
- Lacy Lange is a gardener and farmer. She runs the gardening resource blog Homestead Farms.
- Carmen Devito is the founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult.
Why trust NBC Select?
Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select and covers a wide range of gardening and outdoors topics, including pruning shears, indoor gardening kits and sunscreen for kids. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter covering wellness, home and kitchen and more for NBC Select. For this story, Godio spoke to five gardening and lawn care experts to get their recommendations on how to shop for garden hoses, hose nozzles and hose reels, and gathered highly rated ones they recommended.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
