The 5 Best Garden Hoses We've Ever Tested

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Our favorite hoses to get you through the spring.

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There's no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right garden hose. Whether you're looking to use a garden hose for lawn care, small container gardening, or even cleaning, you'll need to determine which features are most important to you.

To compile this list of the best garden hoses, we tested 30 garden hoses, evaluating them on design, ease of use, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for in a garden hose, we turned to Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener, and Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's.

It's kink-resistant and extremely malleable, so it's good for maneuvering around obstacles.

It's one of the heavier options.

For daily watering needs, the Flexzilla Garden Hose is a great all-purpose option. Made from a flexible hybrid polymer, it is extremely malleable, so you can maneuver around patio furniture or any other obstacles. We found the manufacturer's claim that this hose is kink resistant to be true and noticed that it straightened out nicely when unwound from the reel. Just keep in mind that this is one of the heavier hoses on our list, especially when full.

The couplings are made from anodized aluminum with an easy-grip coating that made it easier to attach to the spigot and drag across the lawn. The lime green color makes it easy to spot in the yard, too. Even better, the hybrid polymer inner tube material is safe to drink out of, whether you're filling your pet's dish or drinking straight from the hose yourself. It doesn't have the most burst strength out of all the hoses on our list, but for everyday watering, it’s more than adequate.

It's puncture , kink, crush, and abrasion resistant, so you can drag it against rocks or asphalt without worry.

It's quite pricey compared to other options.

Polyurethane is the new kid on the block when it comes to garden hoses, but it's quickly becoming the gold standard for its light weight, flexibility, and extremely durability. Described by the manufacturer as the "most durable garden hose available," the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose is puncture , kink, crush, and abrasion resistant, so you can drag it against rocks or asphalt without worry. Fun fact: It's made from the same material used for in-line skates. Given its durability, we expect that it would withstand heavy long-term use.

In our testing, the hose didn't kink at all, and was significantly lighter than rubber, another material lauded for its durability. It comes equipped with lead-free brass fittings and is safe to drink from. During the at-home portion of our testing, we found the hose to be a bit too short for practical use. However, it’s available in 10 different sizes, ranging from 6.5 feet to 200 feet.

This pick is extremely durable and less cumbersome than many other rubber hoses.

It gets very hot to the touch if left out in the sun.

For heavy use, a rubber hose provides long-lasting durability at a much lower cost than polyurethane. Despite rubber’s reputation for being cumbersome, we found this hose easy to carry, even when filled with water.

The material felt extremely durable, and the hose held up well after being dragged across rocks, grass, and a rake. It’s available in four lengths, ranging from 25 feet to 100 feet, making it the perfect partner in crime for spaces of any size. The nickel-plated brass couplings are high quality and easy to screw onto nozzles and spigots.

While the manufacturer says it can withstand up to 200°F, we noticed the black rubber got very hot from sitting out in the sun, so you may want to avoid leaving it out in hot weather. The black hose might also be difficult to spot in your lawn, though we appreciate that the neutral color is discreet and unobtrusive.

This lightweight and easy-to-maneuver hose can release an impressive two gallons of water every two minutes.

It can be difficult to load back onto the reel due to kinking.

Rather than spraying water, which can evaporate before it reaches the ground, this soaker hose releases water slowly and steadily through its pores to give a deep, even soak to plant roots. We noticed what looked like condensation on the outside of the hose as the water began seeping through the pores. According to the manufacturer, this flat soaker hose can release an impressive 2 gallons of water every two minutes.

We found the hose to be lightweight and easy to maneuver around obstacles like flower beds or pots. It even held up well to being dragged through rocks and over a rake. The PVC material is treated with UV inhibitors, so it can withstand years of use even in the hot sun.

Even after leaving the hose outside for three months, it maintained the same performance. We did, however, have some difficulty loading the hose back onto the reel because of kinking. You should also be careful not to turn the water pressure too high (no more than 60 PSI), as this may cause the hose to burst. Overall though, this is a great soaker hose that allows you to deliver water right to the roots of your vegetables, flowers, or shrubs without lugging a hose to and from storage.

It's extremely easy to carry and easy to use.

It's not intended for high-pressure use.

Coil garden hoses are ideal for watering small areas, like small flower beds, vegetable gardens, porches, and patios, because they don't require you to lug a full-size hose around just for these tasks. During testing, we found this hose extremely easy to carry and even easier to use. Plus, it rebounds into its original shape for easy storage—no worrying about coiling it back around a reel.

This coil hose in particular stands out for two reasons: its material and design. Like our Best Heavy-Duty hose, it's made from UV-stabilized polyurethane, an extremely durable, flexible, and lightweight material that's resistant to punctures and abrasions. The couplings are made from lead-free brass that proved durable enough to withstand three months of use.

In terms of design, this garden hose has unique straight tail ends as opposed to being coiled all the way through, which makes it easier to direct the flow of water and attach it to the spigot. Plus, it's safe to drink from. It’s worth noting that this hose does have a rather small diameter at 3/8 inch, which can restrict the water flow, so it's best reserved for low-pressure watering.

Our top pick is the Forever Steel 304 Stainless Steel Hose because it's impossible to puncture or kink, yet remains lightweight and flexible for maneuvering around the yard. Plus, it has the highest burst strength on our list at 500 PSI. If you're looking for an extra-durable option, we recommend the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose, which can withstand punctures and abrasions with no signs of wear.

We put 30 garden hoses through a series of tests, keeping in mind that not all hoses serve the same purpose or perform in the same way. First, we picked up each coiled hose and assessed whether it felt cumbersome or light based on its size and materials.

Next, we connected each hose to a water spigot and a feeder hose to check for tight seals and to see if any water leaked. We then unwound the hoses fully and dragged them across various surfaces, including grass, cement, and even a garden rake with its tines facing up. As we pivoted 180° and maneuvered around three large pots, we kept an eye out for punctures or any signs of wear.

For our final test, we sprayed water from each hose for two minutes and then turned it off without draining the hose. We attempted to wind the hose back onto the reel while it was still full of water, noting how easy or difficult it was to do so. Finally, we repeated the tests, but this time, we depressed the hose nozzle to release the water before winding the hose onto the reel. We scored each hose based on its design, ease of use, durability, and value.

Following the lab tests, we took the top-performing hoses home with us to evaluate their performance after three and six months of use.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

There are several types of garden hoses out there, each coming with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Standard hoses are great for all-purpose watering and cleaning. Schanen says they're the most popular choice because they do the job well, but they have to be coiled and can be prone to kinking. You can find both lightweight and heavy-duty standard hoses, the latter of which McCoy says may be better suited for hot water and heavy, continuous use. "Hoses should always be used with ambient water temperatures, so hot water should only be used in hoses specifically designed for hot water use," he says.

Soaker hoses are best for delivering water slowly and deliberately to the roots, though Schanen says you often need to pin them down to keep them in place. McCoy says you can even bury them under a layer of mulch, as the hose leaks small amounts of water directly to your garden or flower bed's roots with little waste. Our best pick is the H20 Works Garden Flat Soaker, which releases a gallon of water every minute.

Coil hoses, like the Water Right Coil Garden Hose, are meant for watering small areas without the inconvenience of lugging around an extra-long hose or winding it back onto the reel because it retracts on its own into a neat coil. However, they tend to be very short and can get tangled from time to time.

According to Schanen, polyurethane offers a good blend of durability and weight savings and is less likely to kink. It's considered to be the most durable material out there, and it's lighter than rubber (but more costly, too).

Rubber hoses are second only to polyurethane in durability, and they are more budget friendly. That said, they can be quite heavy when filled with water. Vinyl is a lighter weight, less expensive alternative to rubber, but it's generally not as durable and is more prone to kinking.

Stainless steel hoses are most often constructed with a waterproof interior surrounded by coils of stainless steel for enhanced durability. Garden hoses are usually made from 304-grade stainless steel because it's less likely to rust and corrode.

If you plan to drink from your garden hose, it's important to note that not all garden hose materials are safe for drinking: "If you take an occasional drink from your hose on a hot day, get a hose that's designated boat, marine, or recreational," McCoy says. "Their plastic lining makes them safe for transmitting drinking water."

There are three factors to consider when looking at the size of a garden hose: diameter, length, and weight.

According to Schanen, a 5/8-inch diameter is the standard size for a garden hose and works best for most purposes. "A 3/4-inch hose will offer great water pressure, but will be quite heavy," Schanen says. "Half-inch hoses are a delight to use because they are light, but you won't be able to run most lawn sprinklers with them, and you might not even get spray from a hose-end sprayer." Coil garden hoses may run even smaller, usually about 3/8-inch, since they're meant to water a smaller area.

Garden hoses typically range in length from 25 to 50 feet (although the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose offers more size variety, ranging from 6.5 feet to 200 feet long). While you want a hose that's long enough to reach wherever you're looking to water, the water pressure will diminish with length: "Buy a hose that's long enough to reach where you'll be using it and no longer," McCoy says. "If you occasionally require a long hose, buy two shorter ones and combine when needed."

Finally, consider the weight of the hose you choose. As stated earlier, rubber hoses tend to be the heaviest. Generally, weight and durability go hand in hand (with some exceptions), so look for a hose that you feel confident you'll be able to manage, yet will still give you years of use.

The "burst strength" of a garden hose is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and indicates how much water pressure the hose can endure before bursting. The higher the PSI, the more durable the hose. Soaker hoses and coil hoses generally require less pressure to function properly, so it's best to keep the water pressure low to avoid damaging the hose.

Couplings, or fittings, are the end pieces that connect the hose to the water supply. According to Schanen, end fittings are just as important as the hose material. For the longest lifespan, she says to look for brass or plated brass alloy fittings. Aluminum and plastic fittings, on the other hand, are lighter in weight but unlikely to last as long.

Real Simple / Rachel Marek

Dramm 17005 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose: We found this hose both durable and flexible, and any kinks were easy to get out. However, the length might not be enough for larger yards, and the bright colors can be a bit bold for those who prefer something more discreet.

23 Water Right Soaker GardenHose: Thanks to its lightweight design, this polyurethane hose is incredibly easy to maneuver. Just keep in mind that it only comes in beige, which may be an acquired taste for some.

While laying your hose out flat in three or four long sections is a good way to prevent kinking and knotting, we know it's not always practical. There are plenty of different ways to store garden hoses, including reel wagons, pots, hangers, and more. To make sure it stays in good shape, Schanen recommends first stretching the hose out straight before coiling it, and never forcing a coil into place: “Sometimes you may have to alternate coils, so one is tucked under the previous coil (don't worry, it will still pull out fine).”

It's also a good idea to avoid leaving the hose out in direct sunlight, as McCoy says hot water can expand in the hose and UV rays can weaken the material. He says you should also store it somewhere safe during the winter.

A hose nozzle attaches to one end of the hose to help control the flow and distribution of the water. Some nozzles allow you to alternate between different spray patterns, while others feature a set stream of water. A hose nozzle helps to prevent water waste by giving you superior control over the direction of the flow and by allowing you to shut off the flow when not in use. For cleaning projects, fireman-style nozzles provide a powerful spray.

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 30 garden hoses in our lab, evaluating them based on design, ease of use, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping, we consulted Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener, as well as Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe’s.

Material: Length: Diameter: Weight: Couplings: Maximum Pressure:Material: Length: Diameter: Weight: Couplings: Maximum Pressure: Material: Length: Diameter: Weight: Couplings: Maximum Pressure: Material: Length: Diameter: Weight: Couplings: Maximum Pressure: Material: Length: Diameter: Weight:Couplings: Maximum Pressure: Standard hosesSoaker hoses Coil hoses, polyurethaneRubberVinylStainless steel

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