After Testing 18 Expandable Hoses, Our Favorite Is Durable and Lightweight

Expandable hoses are self-draining alternatives to standard garden hoses. They weigh far less than their conventional counterparts while taking up very little space. Twist- and kink-resistant, their outer fabric shell creates a rigid wall around the hose and protects the core from punctures and abrasion, while the inner core operates much like a balloon by stretching up to three times its resting length. Turn the water off, and the hose returns to its original size and shape. We wanted to know if these new space-saving hoses lived up to the hype, so we tested them in our own yards and gardens. 

After putting 18 expandable hoses through the wringer, our top pick is the HydroTech 100-Foot Expandable Burst-Proof Garden Hose. We appreciated its high-quality connectors and were impressed by how lightweight and easy it was to store. It also survived some serious use and abuse (including being run over by our car). But five other hoses also made our lineup, so there’s plenty of competition. Read on to learn more about these space-saving hoses and discover which models are among the best expandable garden hoses for your lawn care needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: HydroTech 100-Foot Expandable Burst-Proof Garden Hose
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Joyday 25-Foot Expandable Garden Hose
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3. BEST WITH NOZZLE: Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Expandable Garden Hose
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4. BEST COIL-STYLE: Orbit 26381 25-Foot Coil Garden Hose
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5. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: J&B XpandaHose 150-Foot Expandable Garden Hose 
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6. BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Flexi Hose Expandable Hose With 8-Function Nozzle
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Expandable Hoses Comparison

Our Top Picks

We tested numerous expandable hoses, basing our selection criteria on which hoses are currently among the most popular sellers. A hose had to be lightweight, strong, and durable to earn a spot on our lineup. On top of that, its fittings had to connect easily to spray nozzles and spigots without leaking. The following models excelled in our hands-on tests and are all top performers.

Best Overall

HydroTech 100-Foot Expandable Burst-Proof Garden Hose

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight; easy to carry where needed 
• Durable exterior resists rips and bursts
• Oversize ergonomic connector makes attaching it easy 

What We Don’t Like

• Does not come with a spray nozzle

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Specs

• Expanded length 100 feet
• Weight 5.5 pounds
• Sprayer included No

Our Ratings

The first thing we noticed when unboxing the HydroTech expandable hose was the high quality of its connectors. The spigot-end connector is made from heavy-duty molded plastic. The end section twists independently of the rest of the connector, so we were able to quickly attach the HydroTech to the outdoor spigot. 

The other connector features heavy-duty brass, and it comes with a shut-off valve that makes it easy to connect a nozzle or sprinkler without needing to turn off the water to the hose beforehand. 

To see how long the hose was when filled with water, we shut the valve and turned the spigot on—the HydroTech immediately went from a soft, floppy hose to one that felt smooth and firm to the touch. We laid the hose straight and measured it—it came to a few inches over 100 feet. We left the hose filled with water (about 40 pounds per square inch, or PSI) for 24 hours, and it didn’t leak. 

This lightweight watering hose weighs just under 5.5 pounds when empty. While it did tangle when empty in its loose and floppy state, it resisted kinking and tangling when filled with water. Note that it doesn’t come with a spray nozzle. We also tested the 25-foot version of this hose and liked it just as well.

What our tester says: “I pulled this hose around the corner of concrete steps and through some bushes, and it didn’t snag or rupture. Likewise, backing over it with my car didn’t faze it.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the HydroTech 100-foot expandable hose at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Do It Best.

Best Bang for the Buck

Joyday 25-Foot Expandable Garden Hose

See It

What We Like

• Built-in shut-off valve for water flow control
• Easy to store
• Pliable and kink-free when expanded

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t include a spray nozzle
• Has plastic fittings

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Specs

• Expanded length 25 feet
• Weight Not listed
• Sprayer included No

Our Ratings

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the best features of a shrinking garden hose. This hose from Joyday features a pliable, kink-free design at a budget-friendly price point. Although we hand-tested the 25-foot version, this expandable hose is also available in 50- and 75-foot lengths.

Upon unboxing, we immediately noticed how small and lightweight the Joyday hose was. In its empty state, it measured exactly 9 feet long. After hooking the connector up to our spigot and turning the water on, the hose expanded before our eyes, stretching itself to 25 feet. While it doesn’t come with a spray nozzle, the built-in shut-off valve near the connector allowed us to control the water flow. 

We pulled the hose through the grass and onto our concrete patio, and it maneuvered smoothly. We never experienced any kinking, snagging, or tangling. When we turned the water off, the hose quickly returned to its original size. Unlike some of the more expensive models, the Joyday flexible garden hose has plastic connectors. While they withstood being banged against the concrete, they may not have the longevity of brass connectors. 

Get the Joyday expandable hose at Amazon.

Best with Nozzle

Pocket Hose Copper Bullet Expandable Garden Hose

See It

What We Like

• Features a durable triple-layer fabric exterior
• High-quality fittings and a built-in shut-off valve
• Includes a 10-pattern spray nozzle
• Lead-free, drinking-water-safe hose

What We Don’t Like

• Some user reports of leakage

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Specs

• Expanded length 25 feet
• Weight 1.2 pounds
• Sprayer included Yes

Our Ratings

Those who are after an expandable hose with a high-quality spray nozzle will want to check out the Copper Bullet from Pocket Hose. We’re sometimes skeptical of “As Seen on TV” products, but the Copper Bullet passed all of our tests with flying colors and ended up being one of our favorite expandable hoses. It has an anti-burst inner core made of three layers of latex and a tear-resistant polymer blend exterior. It comes with a thumb spray nozzle featuring 10 spray patterns. 

This bendable water hose has metal connectors on each end, which were easy to hook to our spigot and to the included spray nozzle. There’s also a shut-off valve near the spray nozzle connector, which allowed us to control the water flow from the hose rather than the spigot. Best of all, this hose is lead-free and safe for drinking water, so you can use it to fill your pet’s water bowl without worry.

While we noticed some user reports of the hose leaking, we didn’t have any issues. We left the hose out in the sun for 24 hours, let it sit through a rainstorm, and even backed over it with a car, and it remained leak-free. We also banged the spray nozzle on our concrete and didn’t notice any damage.

What our tester says: “The Copper Bullet expandable hose is durable and attractive. The spray nozzle is high-quality, and I appreciate how easy this hose is to carry around and store.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Pocket Hose expandable hose at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Coil-Style

Orbit 26381 25-Foot Coil Garden Hose

See It

What We Like

• Maneuverable and lightweight garden hose
• Compact size makes it easy to store
• Includes an 8-pattern spray nozzle

What We Don’t Like

• Trigger-style spray nozzle was uncomfortable during extended use
• Lacks a shut-off valve
• Has plastic fittings

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Specs

• Expanded length 25 feet
• Weight 1.4 pounds
• Sprayer included Yes

Our Ratings

Rather than expanding both width-wise and length-wise, like traditional expandable hoses, coil hoses expand only in length. They work much like a spring, stretching when filled with water and then recoiling when empty. This expandable coil hose from Orbit was no exception. We measured it right out of the box and it was only 14 inches long. But after we hooked it up to our spigot, filled it with water, and gave it a stretch, it grew to almost 25 feet. 

The Orbit coil hose comes with an 8-pattern trigger-style spray nozzle. While the spray patterns were useful for misting plants and washing dirt from our sidewalks, we found the trigger to be uncomfortable to hold down for extended periods. 

This budget-friendly collapsible garden hose is compact enough for even the smallest of storage spaces. You can throw it on a garage shelf, store it in a closet, or even stow it away in a camper. Its PVC hose body and plastic connectors don’t feel as durable as the other hoses we tested, but it’s a good value for the price—especially for those who need a small, lightweight hose that recoils itself.

Get the Orbit expandable garden hose at Amazon or Walmart.

Best for Large Yards

J&B XpandaHose 150-Foot Expandable Garden Hose

See It

What We Like

• Features high-quality brass fittings 
• Easily maneuvers around obstacles
• Includes a shut-off valve and spray nozzle
• Ideal for large yards

What We Don’t Like

• Tangles (slightly) when not fully expanded
• Long length makes it harder to carry

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Specs

• Expanded length 150 feet
• Weight 6.79 pounds
• Sprayer included Yes

Our Ratings

It can be hard to find expandable hoses that exceed 100 feet. Fortunately, J&B Xpanda hose offers this 150-foot option. It weighs only a fraction of what a traditional rubber hose of the same size would weigh and is much easier to transport and store. When we pulled the hose out of its package, it was slightly tangled, which wasn’t surprising given its length. We immediately took note of its solid brass connectors and included spray nozzle.

The connectors easily attached to our spigot, and as we turned the water on, we watched this hose expand to impressive lengths. The water pressure pulled the slack out of the hose, and it became firm to the touch. Once filled with water, we never experienced any tangling or kinking. The hose was easy to maneuver, and we pulled it all around our yard, through the grass, to our back patio, and over our concrete steps. 

The included spray nozzle was useful, featuring 10 spray patterns. Trigger-style nozzles aren’t always our favorite since they can become uncomfortable to hold down for extended periods, but this one felt comfortable in hand. The J&B Xpanda hose also comes with a storage bag and storage hook, making it easy to stash away between uses.

Get the J&B expandable hose at Amazon.

Best for Cold Weather

Flexi Hose Expandable Hose With 8-Function Nozzle

See It

What We Like

• Rubber anti-slip sprayer grip is comfortable in hand
• Valve allows nozzle changes without shutting off water
• Very lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Fabric isn’t quite as dense as some

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Specs

• Expanded length 50
• Weight 2.8 pounds
• Sprayer included Yes

Our Ratings

It’s never a good idea to leave an expandable water hose outdoors during the winter months, especially in harsh conditions. But some gardeners may still want a hose for outdoor chores in colder weather. Those living in areas where temperatures frequently come close to freezing should consider a garden hose made with brass fittings, which are more durable than plastic. 

The Flexi Hose features solid-brass fittings that connected snugly to the spigot and didn’t leak during testing. Although the connection between the hose and the nozzle started out with a leak, we quickly remedied that by tightening the connection. When filled with water, it expanded to a maximum length of 50.5 feet. 

The hose’s four-layer latex core is 10 millimeters thick, which the manufacturer claims gives it extra protection from cold temperatures. We only left the Flexi Hose outside for 24 hours—and it just happened to get rained on—but it didn’t seem the worse for it. It withstood a car driving over it and having its connectors banged on the concrete without even a scuff. Its eight-setting spray nozzle features an ergonomic, slip-resistant handle that’s especially nice, but the sprayer is slightly smaller than competing models. 

Get the Flexi Hose expandable hose at Amazon, The Home Depot, Flexi Hose, or Walmart.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Expandable Hoses

We researched the most popular expandable hose brands, looking for products with high ratings from users, and then narrowed our list down to the top 18 hoses. After receiving them, we put these hoses through the wringer and didn’t play favorites. If a hose came with a sprayer, we tested each of the spray functions, noting whether the spray was uniform or the connections leaked. After varying the water pressure with each hose, we found they all work best with a water pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch (PSI). 

All hoses were pressurized with water and then left out in the elements for 24 hours, and we backed over each one with a car. To ensure the fittings were strong, we banged them on the concrete, reconnected the hoses, and checked for leaks, indicating that the fitting had changed shape. 

In addition, we noted how comfortably the sprayers fit in our hands and how easy the hose was to pull around the yard. We ran the same tests on each hose and kept the test results in a rubric. At the end of testing, we tallied up our results to find the best overall hose, and we gave other high performers awards based on what we felt they were best suited for.

What to Consider When Choosing an Expandable Hose 

Expandable hoses do all the jobs that conventional garden hoses do. They’re a great choice for tight spaces where other hoses kink and twist. Like retractable garden hose reels, they’re also ideal for homes with limited storage space, as well as for anyone who is tired of lugging around traditional rubber hoses, which tend to be heavy. 

The best expandable garden hoses swell under moderate water pressure, drain themselves, and resist wear and tear thanks to their lightweight, kink-free outer shell. The quality of these products varies based on materials, hose length, fittings, weight, and spray nozzles. Most of the hoses we tested came with multifunction spray nozzles, although virtually any spray nozzle will fit.

Material

Hose materials can make the difference between a long-lasting, high-quality expandable hose and one that’s dead in the water. The exterior of the hose, which protects the core from damage, should be tough enough to resist abrasion and punctures; it also needs to dry quickly to resist mildew. 

The core must be extremely pliable and resilient to easily expand to full length under pressure and shrink back to its original size when not in use. Expandable hoses come in two different core materials: 

• Latex: A natural rubber, latex is used in rubber gloves, balloons, and many other common rubber items. Most manufacturers use this material for the core of an expandable hose. A rubber hose typically features a double-layer latex core, though some manufacturers offer triple- and quadruple-layer cores.
• TPC: Tough, durable thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) typically is used for industrial tubing. This strong material comes at a premium. 

For the most part, protective shells are made of nylon. Rugged and resistant to mold and mildew, nylon stands up to the rigors of lawn and garden care. 

Number of Cores

The cores of the best expandable garden hoses are both stretchable and strong. Though the shell protects the core, grit can work its way through the shell over time and threaten the core with punctures and abrasion. For this reason, most hoses feature at least a double-layer core, though some have as many as four layers.

Extra layers, however, add resistance, meaning the hose needs more water pressure to fully expand. If the pressure is too low, the hose may not reach its full advertised length. For instance, a hose designed to expand to 30 feet might only stretch to 25 feet under low pressure.

A more resistant hose core also absorbs some of the water pressure from the spigot in order to stretch it out, which may lead to a noticeable reduction in the pressure coming out of the hose. For overall performance, especially where water pressure is concerned, added layers don’t necessarily make for the best expandable garden hoses.

Hose Fittings

Hose fittings, which connect the hose to the outdoor water faucet and the spray nozzle, may be made of brass or plastic. Plastic fittings are inexpensive and often durable, but they tend to become cross-threaded after repeated use, which can lead to leaks. 

Solid brass connectors hold up much better through repeated threading and unthreading to the water supply and nozzle. Some expandable hoses also come with a quick-connect fitting, which allows you to attach the hose to the water spigot or hose splitter without threading. Quick-connect couplers are also available separately.

Hose Length and Weight

The approximate hose length listed on the manufacturer’s packaging corresponds to the length of the fully extended hose. A 50-foot extending garden hose, for example, may only extend 17 feet without water pressure. Longer hoses allow for increased mobility. Keep in mind that multilayered cores and weak water pressure can shorten the operational hose length, so it doesn’t hurt to buy the next size up. 

Weight is almost a nonfactor with expandable hoses. They weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds, or about one-fifth the weight of a conventional hose. Fixtures and nozzles play the biggest part in the weight of the hose. Brass fixtures and nozzles are heavier (and more durable) than plastic.

Nozzle

Most expandable hoses come with either plastic or metal nozzles. The nozzles have different spray patterns for different uses. Some of the best hose nozzles include a dial for switching between different spray patterns, from a gentle mist perfect for watering seeds to a high-pressure jet stream that can rinse caked mud off the sidewalk. 

In addition to mist and jet, these nozzles often have several other patterns, including:

• Shower: Designed for watering the garden and individual planters
• Flat: Designed for fragile plants and young seedlings
• Cone: Designed for greater coverage, like watering the lawn before a fertilizer application
• Soak: Designed for watering large trees and shrubs

Since most expandable hoses have standard ¾-inch fittings, you can purchase standard nozzles or hose-end sprayers separately if needed.

Flow Rate

An expandable garden hose’s flow rate depends on your home’s water pressure as well as the hose’s dimensions. The standard water pressure in American homes runs between 40 and 60 PSI (the EPA recommends a service pressure between 45 and 60 PSI). Longer hoses have lower flow rates, while a wide diameter increases that rate.

A standard garden hose measures ⅝ inch in diameter, which results in a flow rate of 17 gallons per minute (in ideal conditions) on a spigot with a standard water pressure of 40 PSI. A thicker hose with a ¾-inch diameter, however, pushes out up to 23 gallons per minute. Since some homes have high water pressure, garden hose specs typically include a rating for how much pressure they can handle without causing a blowout.

Similar to a soaker hose, a quality expandable hose is not as durable as standard garden hoses and won’t withstand as much internal water pressure. If your spigot’s water pressure is over 50 PSI, consider attaching a flow reducer to keep the water from exerting too much pressure in the hose.

The Advantages of Owning an Expandable Hose

Thanks to advances in materials and technology, expandable garden hoses have become enormously popular over the past few years. They bring several distinct advantages to the lawn and garden. One of the major benefits to consider is how flexible and maneuverable these hoses are, making them easy for walking around the backyard or storing. 

Another thing users love is the lightweight nature of expandable hoses, ranging from just 1 to 5 pounds. These options are also durable enough to last for a long time and can withstand abrasions, punctures, and weather conditions. Plus, many options on the market come with solid-brass connectors and adjustable spray nozzles for specific tasks. Here are a few other benefits to consider when choosing an expandable hose:

• Expandable hoses are very lightweight, which makes use and transport easy.
• Expandable hoses self-drain and shrink to about one-third of their full length for easy storage on a shelf or hose hanger.
• Expandable hoses don’t kink, twist, or tangle while in use, the way conventional hoses tend to do. 

FAQs

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for caring for and using an expanding garden hose. Doing so will ensure many seasons of easy watering. Below are answers to some common questions about expandable garden hoses.

Q. How do you use an expandable garden hose?

Attach the hose, with nozzle already in place, to the water supply. Turn on the water to full pressure or use a hose timer. Although we did so in testing, you will want to be careful not to drag the hose against rough surfaces or drive over it, as this can puncture it or otherwise decrease its lifespan.

Q. How do you repair an expandable hose?

To repair an expandable hose, cut cleanly through the hose at the site of the leak and use a hose repair kit to reconnect the cut ends.

Q. What’s the best way to store an expandable hose?

When the expandable hose is not in use, turn off the water supply, disconnect the hose, and allow it to self-drain. Then store the hose out of extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Most expandable hoses come with a hanging hook or a carrying bag.

Q. What is the downside of expandable hoses?

The continual expansion and contraction of expandable hoses can cause leaks, especially near fittings. Their outer fabric layer is also vulnerable to snagging on rocks or sticks, which can lead to tears.

Q. Can you leave expandable hoses outside in winter?

No, you shouldn’t leave expandable hoses out during the winter. If there is any water in the hose, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause the hose to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or leaks. 

Q. How long should an expandable hose last?

Depending on its quality and proper care, a good expandable hose can last up to 10 years. Hoses that are put away when not in use will last longer than those left exposed to the elements.

Q. What size hose gives the best pressure?

The smaller the hose diameter, the more water pressure your hose will deliver. Conversely, the larger the diameter, the more water will flow from the hose. For the best of both worlds, stick with a standard ⅝-inch hose. 

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has spent hundreds of hours watering flowers at her family’s greenhouse business, giving her insight into what makes a quality garden hose. She extensively tests products to help readers find the best bang for their buck.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She reviews a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Mark Wolfe and Savannah Sher.

 

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