Who makes the best expandable garden hose?
3 Best Expandable Garden Hoses (2024 Guide)
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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 or in your garage.
Expandable garden hoses are an excellent option for household use such as watering plants and bushes, washing your car, or cleaning off your deck or patio. However, not all expandable garden hoses are made equal. Choosing the best hose for your home can depend on several factors, such as how often you will be using it, how long you need it to be, and what spray nozzles you prefer. Depending on size, expandable garden hoses 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 pick
Top 3 Expandable Garden Hoses
Compare Top Expandable Garden Hoses
ProductSizeMaterialDimensionsColorWarrantyFlexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose Kit100 feetLatex10.5 x 9.1 x 6.22 inchesGreenLifetimeXhose Expandable Garden Hose25 feetLatex17 x 11 x 9 inchesBlack5 yearsGardguard Expandable Garden Hose50 feetLatex, Polyester9.5 x 9 x 4.3 inchesBlack and blue (other colors available)1 yearProductSizeMaterialDimensionsColorWarrantyBest Overall
Courtesy Amazon
Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose
- $75.23
- $84.99
- 11% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The versatile, expandable hose kit has eight spray patterns on its nozzle, with a textured rubber handle for better grip. The hose extends up to 100 feet, and can withstand temperature ranges from 41 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it has four layers of latex for added durability.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a solidly built, large garden hose with numerous nozzle functions.
Pros
Cons
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
Courtesy Amazon
Xhose Expandable Garden Hose
- $54.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
We were impressed that this 25-foot hose is offered at a competitive price. It has solid brass brush-resistant fittings and is made of high-performance DAC-5 fiber, making it as strong as other expandable garden hoses. It also has a standard 5/8-inch diameter for utility.
Good For: Homeonwers looking for a small expandable hose that’s made with durable materials.
Pros
Cons
What Are People Saying About the Xhose Expandable Garden Hose?
We found that customers who used other expandable hoses in the past said that this model outperformed their expectations, especially given its entry-level price. They mentioned that the hose didn’t experience any leaks and that the connectors felt high-quality. Alternatively, we did see some customers who said that the hose got too hot when left out in direct sunlight, and for select users, the hose material tore easily.
“I have spent so much money over the years on knock-off hoses only to see them burst after a short time in use. In addition, the hardware breaks or some other ridiculous thing happens to them. Let me be clear: get this hose! After 1 year in use and forgetting to turn off the hose countless times and still no bursting, it is going strong. Well worth the money.” — HikieBikeGo via Amazon
“I enjoyed the toggle switch to control the flow of water (the best part), after a month, there were bulges forming at the top of the cord to the handle, along with curly q’s that wouldn’t unroll, this morning I had to turn the flow off and the bulge blew after three months of use.” — Red via Amazon
Most Versatile
Courtesy Amazon
Flexi Hose 50-Foot Expandable Hose
- $64.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This expandable garden hose is available in four sizes, allowing you to choose a model that fits your watering preferences. Like other Flexi Hose models we found, it can withstand water pressures up to 12 bars and temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit for long-lasting use.
Good For: Customers looking for a durable, versatile hose that can withstand high temperatures and water pressure levels.
Pros
Cons
What Are People Saying About the Flexi Hose 50-Foot Expandable Hose?
Our research showed that most customers felt that this hose delivered on the company’s promises, with a few even saying that the most recent design was an improvement on earlier incarnations that had less sturdy tubes and connectors. However, we also saw some customers report low water pressure or leaks during use.
“Our townhouse shares a spigot with several others, and we access it on a neighbor’s property. We needed a 50-foot hose to reach our garden, and for years we had to carry a heavy hose from our storage shed twice a day to water. This hose has been fantastic. It’s lightweight, and we keep it in a tote bag in our hall closet. It behaves just as it’s described. It expands and lengthens as it fills with water and is easy to maneuver. When you turn off the water, is goes back to size and easily packs away.” — semifl. via Amazon
“I wanted to like these hoses — I bought three of them last year, used them heavily and stored them in the barn over winter — because they were very light and very easy to maneuver around the yard and garden beds. However, one sprang a leak last fall — a slit about a quarter inch long running lengthwise in the middle of the hose — and another sprung a similar leak this spring.” — rpmuldoon via Amazon
Buying Guide to Expandable Garden Hoses
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, it’s critical to consider factors such as the hose’s length and material, as well as the type and amount of spray nozzle patterns.
From there, you can also use factors such as color and grip to help you find the best model for you. 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.
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.
- 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 is more durable than plastic.
- Plastic fittings: Plastic fittings are typically more affordable but less durable than alternatives.
What core material is an expandable garden hose made from?
The exterior of your hose will likely feature a durable fabric cover. 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. 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 FAQ
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
Tips and Tutorials
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?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
The 6 Best Garden Hoses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall
Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose
PHOTO:
Amazon
$68 At Amazon
$70 At Wayfair
$70 At Wayfair
Our Ratings
What We Like
Easily attaches to water spigot
Maneuvers well when full or empty
Crush-proof couplings
What We Don't Like
Only rated for use above 35 degrees Fahrenheit
If you’ve ever struggled to use or move a bulky, heavy hose around your outdoor space, you'll especially appreciate the Zero-G Garden Hose. Earning the best overall spot on our list, this hose stood out during our testing for being very durable and easy to use—if you find yourself using a hose almost daily, this workhorse can deliver.
We tested the 100-foot version and were impressed with how easy it was to coil or uncoil. After connecting it to a spigot, winding it on a hose reel, and pulling it through our testing environment, we thought this hose was well worth the higher price tag versus other hoses that didn't perform as well. The lead-free couplings are designed to be crush-proof under loads up to 900 pounds. Plus, we loved how easily the hose connected to the spigot and felt its overall design was sleek compared to other options on the market.
The Zero-G is constructed of a heavy-duty vinyl inner tube with a durable, abrasion-resistant jacket. (It has the appearance of an expandable hose, but this version isn’t expandable or retractable.)
We will point out that this hose is not best for colder climates as it is only rated for above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly higher than most of the other hoses in this list. So if you need a hose that can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees, the Eley Garden Hose, our best heavy-duty pick, might be a better option. However, this is our favorite hose for most other scenarios and should hold up for many gardening seasons to come.
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
How It Performed Long-Term
After impressing us in our outdoor lab, we tested this hose in our own backyard for over six months. With almost daily use, including watering the grass and flower beds, filling up a hot tub, and clearing off our deck, this hose has proven to be a durable, splurge-worthy gardening tool. We've appreciated its lightweight nature and powerful stream, and never had any issues with it leaking anywhere or kinking,
Material: Vinyl | Length: 100 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inch | Shutoff Valve: No
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best for Small Spaces
Dramm Rubber Garden Hose
PHOTO:
Amazon
$100 At Amazon
$32 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Flexible in minus-25 degrees Fahrenheit
Available in a variety of colors
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Additional reading:
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What We Don't Like
Not a potable water hose
In our testing, the Dramm ColorStorm Premium Rubber Garden Hose proved to be tidy, durable, and an excellent value. While these attributes would qualify it for a wide variety of uses, it’s our top pick as a garden hose for small spaces. With a 25-foot length, this hose is ideal for watering patio plants, a small garden, or for keeping handy on your deck or balcony. Just keep in mind that it’s not intended for drinkable water, so keep children and pets from drinking out of it.
The flexibility of this garden hose really impressed us, and the rare kinks that occurred were easy to shake loose. Even in cold-weather climates, you can expect this hose to stay limber and durable down to temperatures of minus-25 degrees Fahrenheit. The hose's durable EPDM rubber is available in a number of colors beyond the usual green hue associated with garden hoses. We tested the purple version, which we thought was fun and attractive.
How It Performed Long-Term
After six months of regularly using this hose, we're still happy with its overall durability and ease of use. Although it does kink occasionally, the kinks are easy to remove without fighting the hose too much. We also noticed that it has a strong flow, even when coming from a rain barrel, rather than a hose spigot.
Material: EPDM Rubber | Length: 25 feet | Diameter: 1/2 inch | Shutoff Valve: No
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Heavy-Duty
Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose
PHOTO:
Eley
$37 At Eley
Our Ratings
What We Like
Kink-resistant design
Very solid construction for a thick, durable feel
10-year warranty against leaks
What We Don't Like
Expensive
The Eley five-eighth-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose has everything you need in a heavy-duty garden hose: thick, durable construction, high-quality fittings, and a kink-free design. During testing, we found this hose to be solid and well-suited for heavy long-term use. That is no surprise since the polyurethane material is the same as what you find in inline roller skate wheels.
This heavy-duty hose also scored high marks for not kinking during our garden testing. The hose is reinforced with high-tensile threads that resist kinking and also provide a defense against the hose bursting under high water pressure. As you’d expect of a heavy-duty hose, you can use the Eley in temperatures down to minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The crush-proof brass fittings are lead-free and corrosion-proof.
The Eley resists cuts, punctures, abrasions, and tears, so you can expect to pull this hose across cement, garden tools, rocks, and more without puncturing or cutting it. Eley backs this heavy-duty hose with a 10-year leak-free warranty for added peace of mind.
All of these features contribute to the hose’s longevity but mean that you pay a premium price compared to a light-duty or budget garden hose. But if you need a heavy-duty hose, this one is worth the splurge and is available in a range of sizes.
Material: Polyurethane | Length: 6.5-200 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inches | Shutoff Valve: No
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Attachable
Flexzilla Garden Hose
PHOTO:
Amazon
$39 At Amazon
$57 At Home Depot
$40 At Walmart
Our Ratings
What We Like
Bright color is easy to spot
Comfortable silicone handles
Does not kink
What We Don't Like
Heavy when full
After testing in our lab and In a real-world setting, we found the Flexzilla super simple and pleasant to use for a multitude of tasks: watering the lawn and flower beds, washing a minivan; rinsing out compost bin and garbage cans; and adding water to a pool. This hose stands out for its bright color but also for its flexible, pliable nature. It’s a great pick as an attachable hose, since it needs no special connectors. Also, its squishy silicone handles at either end give you a comfortable grip when connecting hoses or attaching to a spigot. It is certainly durable, having survived all our tests.
We also were impressed with how well this hose straightened out and that it didn’t kink during garden tasks. This is especially important if you plan to connect multiple hoses and don’t want the hassle of shaking loose a long, kink-filled hose that doesn't lay flat. However, we found it heavy when full, which made it hard to swing over things to maneuver into different places.
Material: Hybrid Polymer | Length: 50 feet | Diameter: 5/8 inch | Shutoff Valve: No
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Lightweight
Flexi Hose Garden Hose
PHOTO:
Amazon
$118 At Home Depot
View On Flexihose.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Built-in water shutoff valve
Doesn’t become hot in the sun
Does not snag on concrete or rakes
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for use below 41 degrees Fahrenheit
Twists easily
Weighing less than 5 pounds but stretching up to 100 feet, the Flexi Hose is your best bet for a lightweight garden hose. "Lightweight" doesn’t always mean durable, but that wasn't the case for this garden hose, which we dragged through grass, across concrete, over a rake, and around patio furniture. We had to give it a hard tug around some obstacles; however, it did get stuck when we tried to pull it around patio furniture. We also noted that you do not need to control the water release because the hose actually stretched more since water was moving through it. It's important to note this hose does twist easily, which can result in kinks if you're not paying close attention.
We're tempted to chalk up the durability of this lightweight garden hose to its design. A 3750 denier stretchy outer fabric cover resists abrasions while allowing the hose to stretch up to three times its starting length. Inside the hose, a 2 mm thick latex tube gives the hose the capacity to handle water pressure up to 12 bar. You cannot use this hose in temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may not be the best choice if you live in a colder climate. One other attractive feature of this garden hose is the attached water shutoff valve. We also found this hose was very convenient for switching nozzles or moving from one area to another while watering.
How It Performed Long-Term
We've enjoyed using this hose for several months to water and clear off patio furniture. It doesn't seem to kink as easily as we initially expected, and we're still very impressed by its compact and lightweight design. We have no issues wrapping it up and think it will winterize well compared to rubber hoses that crack while coiled.
Material: 3750D elastic outer fabric with latex inner tube | Length: 100 feet | Diameter: Not applicable | Shutoff Valve: Yes
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Soaker
H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose
PHOTO:
Amazon
$26 At Amazon
Our Ratings
What We Like
Very lightweight
Durable across rough terrain
Easy to maneuver
What We Don't Like
Water distribution seems slow
Give your plants a slow trickle rather than a steady shower with the help of a soaker hose. "The benefit of a soaker hose," notes LaGattuta, "is that it deposits water exactly where it's needed: directly to the plant roots. Because the water is not airborne, there is much less evaporation, and water is applied slowly and gently to the plants." Soaker hoses are placed directly on the soil surface and work best when you can lay them out in a straight line.
The H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose we tested started watering quickly and proved itself durable, making it our team’s top choice for a soaker garden hose. Made of porous PVC, this hose features tiny holes from end to end that deliver water droplets to the roots of plants rather than shooting tiny streams of water into the air, like some other soaker hoses. The unique material is also very lightweight, and the 50-foot hose winds up compactly.
To thoroughly test this soaker garden hose, we dragged it across rocks and a rake and then checked its performance and condition. It was still in perfect condition after all of our durability tests. We also let the soaker hose run on a concrete surface to check the distribution of water output. We found that the water began to condensate quickly, but we noticed the distribution did feel a bit slow from one end of the hose to the other. The brand claims it dispenses 2 gallons in 2 minutes.
How It Performed Long-Term
With regular use, we discovered this hose is best for flat beds with straight rows. We tried to use it to water a curved flower bed and curving the hose interrupted the flow rate of the water. However, we still think this soaker hose is a great pick due to its size and lightweight material.
Material: PVC | Length: 50 feet | Diameter: 1/2 inch | Shutoff Valve: No
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
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