Best Garden Hoses of 2024 According to Homeowners

Best Garden Hoses of 2024 According to Homeowners

There's nothing quite as frustrating as having your garden hose fail when you're out working in your yard. It's always inconvenient. Many of the 320 homeowners we surveyed to learn what they believe to be the best garden hoses of 2024 previously owned a bad hose (or two or three) before looking for a better product.

But, good news: new materials, designs, and hose engineering means many garden hoses provide flexible and durable options to homeowners — even for those living in extreme climates.

Survey Results

Features to Consider When Buying a Garden Hose

Before discussing the best garden hoses of 2024, let's talk about what to look for when buying a garden hose. It's not just about picking up any old hose off the shelf.

One of the main aspects to consider is the hose's shape. Garden hoses can be straight, curved, or coiled. What are your needs? For example, do you have a long garden path you need to water every day? A straight hose might work better than a coiled one. A coiled hose could be more convenient if your garden is relatively small and you have a hose reel.

Garden hoses are usually available in lengths that range from 25 to 100 feet. The length you need depends on how you intend to use it. Measure the distance from your hose spigot to the longest spot where you will need your hose. Most home gardens require a 50-foot hose, but everyone's yard differs.

Think about the material the hose is made of, too. Most garden hoses are made from rubber, vinyl, PVC, or polyurethane.

Rubber hoses are durable and can withstand weather and pressure. But they're heavy. They're often more expensive, too. Vinyl hoses are lighter and cheaper but less durable. Polyurethane hoses provide a well-balanced option: they're durable and flexible.

The diameter of the hose affects water flow. Most hoses are 5/8 inches in diameter, which is a good compromise between flow and ease of use. The bigger the diameter, the more flow you'll have, but the harder it will be to use.

Best Garden Hoses of 2024

 Flexzilla Garden Hose 

The Flexzilla Garden Hose is rugged but lightweight; it's flexible and does not kink. One survey-taker wrote:

"I like that it can handle all the different things I need to do around the home and in my garden. Plus, it's nice that it's safe for my kids to drink out of."

This garden hose is made with a premium hybrid polymer that makes it durable, flexible, and lightweight. Homeowners who voted for this hose said they purchased it because it would lay flat even when pulled past corners and wouldn't twist when running a lawn sprinkler.

It is more of an upfront investment, but the attention to detail means this hose can withstand tough surfaces and prolonged use. Some homeowners also noted that they've encountered an issue with storing the hose in direct sunlight — it seemed to melt some of the hose material.

 Craftsman Professional Grade Water Hose 

The Craftsman Professional Grade Water Hose is a high-quality hose for homeowners and professionals. Many survey takers noted they've owned previous Craftsman hoses for decades.

If you're sick of cheap hoses that kink after a few uses, continually leak, or burst at the seams when you put enough pressure on them, you need a hose that you can count on with heavy-duty use. 

The Craftsman Professional Grade Water Hose is built to last.

From watering gardens or flowers to washing cars or driveways, it ensures a steady flow of water throughout your task. It won't become stiff even in freezing weather. The Craftsman Professional Grade Water Hose is lightweight for a commercial hose but still heavier than the standard garden hose.

 Goodyear MAXLite 

Goodyear created a hose that helps prevent work-related injuries, but our respondents consider it one of the best garden hoses of 2024. Its bright yellow color stands out, and it is made of premium-duty rubber, which strikes a balance between durable engineering and flexible use.

It's also lightweight. Goodyear claims this hose weighs 40 percent less than a traditional rubber hose. It remains flexible in temperatures up to 40 degrees below freezing. It won't kink, either.

The high-visibility color makes it easy to spot in your garden or driveway. (Bonus: one homeowner said it helped them avoid mowing over it).

 Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose 

The Briggs and Stratton hose is known to handle high water pressures. Its nickel- and brass-plated couplings are crush-proof and eliminate the headache of leaking connections.

This hose can handle water temperatures up to 200 degrees and remain flexible — even if temperatures dip to minus 25 degrees.

It is ideal for commercial or large-scale residential usage.

 Gilmour Flat Soaker Hose 

If you're trying to irrigate garden beds or shrubs, nothing beats a soaker hose — they seep water out of their sides to get water directly to the roots.

According to respondents, the Gilmour Flat Soaker Hose is one of the best garden hoses of 2024. Its convenient, flat design increases efficiency and reduces evaporation and runoff. The flat, wide design makes it easy to thread through a garden row, and you can even bury it under your mulch for deep watering.

The Gilmour Flat Soaker hose has 25, 50, and 75-foot lengths.

 Zero-G Lightweight Garden Hose 

Lightweight garden hoses get a bad rap for their fragility. The zero-G is lightweight. It's tough, though. It's crush-resistant up to 900 pounds and has a 600-plus pounds per square inch (PSI) burst rating.

This hose won't break the bank, so several respondents voted it their favorite.

It's lead-free, can be used in hose reels, can withstand colder weather up (around 35 degrees), and is safe to drink.

How to Maintain Your Garden Hose

Even the toughest garden hoses need care to prolong their lives. Several factors can degrade garden hose material. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your garden hose:

Drain hose the hose on occasion:
Standing water in the hose can damage the internal walls and cause leaks or mildew.

Store it right:
Keep your hose out of the sun, where UV rays can damage it. If you can, wind it up in a hose reel or coil it around a hook.

Don't drag it over sharp edges: 
This will either puncture the hose or weaken it over time.

Check for leaks occasionally:
Ensure the fittings and hose body do not have cracks or holes. Most minor leaks can be repaired with hose repair kits.

Keep it stored during freezes:
If you live in an area with cold winters, run the hose clear and store it indoors to avoid cracking.

FAQs About Garden Hoses

What's the ideal garden hose length?

For most small to medium yards, a 50ft hose should work well. You may need to consider a 75-100 ft hose for larger properties.

Can I drink from my garden hose?

You can drink from the hose as long as it says that the hose is safe for drinking water. Some hoses are made of materials containing chemicals that are not good for drinking.

How do I prevent my hose from kinking?

Look for kink-resistant hoses, or keep your hose out of kinking positions — on a reel or coiled up.

Are expandable hoses durable?

Expandable hoses are more lightweight and portable, but many products are not as sturdy as rubber or vinyl hoses, especially if they get heavy use.

How long do garden hoses typically last?

The lifespan of a garden hose can be between 5 to 10 years but may be more or less depending on its materials, use, and storage. Survey takers reported varying times — from less than a year to decades of use with their hose.

Quick Summary

We asked 320 homeowners to share their favorite garden hose. In the process, we took a look at six of the best garden hoses of 2024. Garden hoses are made of many types of materials. Rubber, vinyl, PVC, and polyurethane are a few of the most common types.

They typically range from 25 to 100 feet long and serve multiple use cases: some soak garden beds, and others avoid kinks in the line at all costs. Some water hoses are labeled safe to drink from, depending on the materials.