Updated Sep. 24, 2024
The best expandable garden hoses are lightweight, easy to store and kink-free — perfect for around-the-house gardening. Here's a list of our favorites.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Expandable garden hoses are extremely well suited for around-the-house watering. However, knowing which hose will give you the greatest value for your dollar can be difficult with so many choices. We asked our expert product testing team in Milwaukee to test some of the best expandable garden hoses on the market and develop a list with their top picks.
But what’s the difference between a regular garden hose and an expandable one?
“A standard, or regular, gardening hose is an all-purpose hose available in various materials and sizes for watering and cleaning tasks. An expandable hose is a lightweight option that expands up to three times its length when filled with water,” says Ken Johnson, online merchant at The Home Depot. “Choosing between a regular hose and an expandable hose depends on your specific needs and preferences.”
If you think an expandable hose is the right option for you, we’ve tested and reviewed some of the best to help you decide.
Pros:
Cons:
“I’ve used a Flexi Hose for several years now. The oldest one I own is still working great,” says Associate Product Tester Sheri Kaz. “I was happy to test out the competition to see if there was a better option, and Flexi Hose did not disappoint. As a lifelong gardener, I highly recommend the Flexi Hose for durability, maneuverability and ease of use.”
The Flexi Hose has many essential features, including a leak-resistant double latex core, sturdy brass fittings, a shut-off lever and a durable flexible fabric coating. When filled, it expands to three times its length. Four layers of protective latex surround the inner tube for durability. Our testers found that it threaded nicely onto the fixture without any dripping.
It glided effortlessly across the ground during testing, and no kinks formed. Additionally, it stays put with a lightweight sprinkler attached and works for various purposes, from watering plants to power washing the patio.
It’s available in three lengths, including 100 feet. It also has an eight-pattern plastic nozzle with a rotating head and an ergonomic rubber handle. Although it sells for a premium price, it’s the most popular hose on this list.
Want more? Check out Sheri’s in-depth Flexi Hose review.
Pros:
Cons:
“From the minute I pulled this out of the tote bag, I was impressed,” says Kaz. “This hose didn’t drip, the fittings are secure, and the hose feels extremely durable. It performed every task effortlessly.”
The J&B XpandaHose has four length options, including a 150-foot option, which is rarely seen in other brands. It also has a hanging hook, a 10-spray nozzle, three extra gaskets and a storage bag. The stretchy polyester casing glides smoothly across the ground. While our product testers found that it does get hung up on corners, it certainly doesn’t kink. It also works well with a sprinkler attachment and feels smooth to handle.
Our product testers found the only hiccup was that the hose doesn’t offer much support at the spigot, and the brass fittings don’t offer flexible support on either end. However, this hose still earned one of the highest ratings from our testing team.
Pros:
Cons:
The Kettoya Garden Hose is the way to go if you want durability. Plus, its nozzle is a standout feature. Our testing team found that the slide control on this hose is much more comfortable than holding a trigger. It also provides better aim and less strain on the hose than a metal nozzle.
“I couldn’t imagine how this rubbery hose could possibly expand out of the box because it’s not very compact, but it did,” Kaz says. “Although it tends to knot up, it always seems to work itself out and remain kink-free. This is a great alternative to heavy rubber or kinky plastic hoses from yesteryear.”
Our product testers initially found minimal leakage at the spigot and noted that the attachment felt a little cheap but could be switched out to one of greater quality. However, on later hookup attempts, our testers had no problems and no dripping at the spigot. They also noted that this hose feels more durable than the woven covered hoses, and thanks to its stability, it’s their go-to pick for using a sprinkler attachment or deep-watering trees.
One thing our testers noticed was that the Kettoya Hose had some trouble maneuvering a backyard landscape. So, suppose you plan on moving your expandable hose frequently instead of leaving it in place for an extended period. In that case, another, more moveable option like the FlexiHose might be better for you.
Pros:
Cons:
Marketed as the original expandable hose, the Xhose Pro Garden Hose is one of the few without a nozzle included, which may account for its bargain price. Instead of a woven polyester cover, this hose has a DAC-5 Fiber cover that gives it a distinctive look.
“This hose is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver, even at 100 feet,” says Kaz. “The Xhose performed much better in the maneuverability category than the 100-foot Kettoya we tested.”
Expandable to three times its length with brass fittings, this hose is lighter than most, suggesting a more lightweight core. While that may be another reason for the lower price, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight, portable hose to carry around the yard while gardening and watering plants.
“This hose seems like a great value if it can survive several seasons,” Kaz adds. “However, I’m not super confident in the fittings.” While this affordable choice is a superior lightweight option for those on a budget, our testing team says that buyers may find themselves replacing it within a season or two. Its lifespan will vary from user to user and will likely depend on how much care is used while handling and storing the hose.
Pros:
Cons:
Another easy-to-maneuver option is the Lefree Expandable Garden Hose. “I really like how lightweight this hose is. It’s much more manageable than a heavy rubber or nylon counterpart and takes up much less storage space,” says Kaz.
“I could snake it around my house, through the garage and onto the front porch to give it a good wash using the jet setting on the nozzle,” Kaz adds. “I was anticipating that it would recoil, but it maintained pressure impressively well for a 100-foot expandable hose.”
Our product testing team found this hose incredibly simple to hook up without leaking or dripping. It passed the gravel test without snagging and is compatible with a lightweight sprinkler. The team also noted that it’s harder to untangle when left in a pile, so it pays to wind and hang this expandable hose option.
Additionally, our testers said users might find this hose difficult to drain as water sometimes sprays out while unhooking it from the spigot. While not as compact as some woven hose options, the Lefree Hose is easy to roll up and manage.
There is a lot to like about expandable hoses. Their shrinkability and ultra-flexibility make them easy to store, reduce tripping incidents, lawnmower accidents and eliminate kinks. Most expandable hoses come with easy-to-use solid brass fittings.
However, because expandable hoses constrict as they expand, pressure from the spout increases and the flow rate decreases. This means you can reach plants farther away, but it takes longer to water them. When the hose shrinks to its normal size, it becomes more manageable, but it will also pull any sprinklers you’ve left on the lawn out of position.
Here are some considerations to help you find the best expandable garden hose for your purposes:
Our product testing team at Family Handyman, spearheaded by Sheri Kaz, connected each hose on this list to a water spigot to evaluate the material and quality of the fitting. Each hose was also thoroughly measured and inspected to ensure that it met the description in the manufacturer’s listing.
Kaz is a veteran gardener with more than 30 years of experience. Growing up on a Midwest farm, she planted her first garden as a child and has helped many clients with exterior designs, including hardscapes and gardens.
We also consulted Ken Johnson, an online merchant at The Home Depot. He’s worked with outdoor living products for over five years and knows how customers interact with them and what separates a quality product from one that isn’t worth it.
It is important to choose high-quality gardening products that will last season after season. We looked for hoses made from durable materials within a reasonable price range. Then, we narrowed the list by rigorously testing each hose.
Our product testing team even dragged each hose across gravel and around common garden obstacles to measure durability and maneuverability.
The team tested all the settings on each hose and connected each to a sprinkler to ensure it could handle various attachments without recoiling or flipping. It’s safe to say our team ran each hose through the backyard ringer.
Expandable garden hoses are made from a lighter, softer material than a typical hose, so they tear more easily. If you use your garden hose often or drag it over rough surfaces, look for models with multiple layers.
Yes, expandable garden hoses tend to have reduced water pressure compared to traditional garden hoses. The light material, multiple layers, longer hose length and nozzle type are all factors that can lead to reduced water pressure with expandable hoses.
Yes, you can leave an expandable garden hose outside. To extend the life of your hose, drain it after each use, store it in a shaded area or use a storage container or hose hook, protect it from extreme temperatures and disconnect it from the water source if you’re not using it for an extended period.
Originally Published: February 17, 2023
