The Best Outdoor Faucets for Easy Installs, Quick Shutoffs, and Cold Climates

Whether washing the car, watering the lawn, or giving the potted plants on the back patio a much-needed drink, an outdoor water faucet is a vital plumbing receptacle for a home. To find models that are easy to install, operate, and live with, we tested six outdoor faucets over the course of a month, comparing traditional hose bibbs with quarter-turn, frost-free, and upgraded flush-mount designs.

Our top pick is the SharkBite Multi-Turn 45-Degree Hose Bibb. Its push-to-connect fitting makes replacing an older faucet remarkably simple, and we liked how its 45-degree outlet directs the hose away from the wall. That said, your climate and existing plumbing can make another option on this list a better fit.

Some garden faucets prioritize simple installation, while others offer frost protection, easier controls, or a cleaner finished appearance. Below, we break down what we learned during testing and what you should consider when shopping for the best outdoor faucets. 

1. BEST OVERALL: SharkBite Multi-Turn 45-Degree Hose Bibb
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eastman 20181 Irrigation Hose Bibb
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST EASY-TO-OPERATE: American Valve M71QT Quarter-Turn Hose Bibb 
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST TRADITIONAL: Everbilt Brass Flanged Threaded Sillcock Valve
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST FROST-FREE: SharkBite 12-Inch Frost-Free Sillcock
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST UPGRADE: Aquor House Hydrant V2+
   ↓ Jump to Review

Best Outdoor Faucets at a Glance

Our Top Picks

The list below narrows the field to some of the best outdoor faucets by type. These faucets feature durable brass construction that can endure harsh weather and handles that make them easy to control. 

Our Ratings

The SharkBite stood out immediately during installation. Rather than soldering copper or adding adapters and clamps, we could cut the old pipe and push the SharkBite fitting directly onto the supply line. It works with common copper, CPVC, and PEX plumbing, which makes it an especially convenient option when replacing an older faucet. For a relatively simple plumbing project, the push-to-connect design removes one of the more intimidating parts of the job.

We also really liked the 45-degree downward angle. It naturally directs the hose away from the exterior wall instead of making it bend sharply immediately after the connection. It was a particularly nice upgrade from the old, leaky faucet that came with our tester’s starter home.

The main limitation is that this isn’t a frost-free faucet. That’s not a concern for our tester’s Florida home, but it’s worth considering if you live somewhere that regularly experiences freezing winter temperatures. Our tester also generally prefers quarter-turn handles, but the traditional multi-turn design does give you better control over water flow. Between its easy installation, sturdy construction, and practical angled design, this was the best all-around faucet we tested.

What our tester says: “The SharkBite faucet was easy to install and simple to operate. Combine this with a great price tag, and this is easily one of the best options to choose from.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the SharkBite outdoor faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

There’s nothing especially fancy about the Eastman 20181, and that’s a big part of its appeal. It’s an inexpensive, straightforward outdoor faucet with solid construction and a familiar multi-turn design. Installation was simple, and once connected, it worked exactly as expected without any complicated controls or additional parts.

The multi-turn handle does let you gradually adjust the amount of water coming through the faucet, which can be helpful when you want more control over flow. Personally, that’s not something we need very often. Most of the time, our tester wants an outdoor faucet either fully on or fully off, so repeatedly turning the handle feels slower than using a quarter-turn design. Still, that’s more of a preference than a performance problem.

For the price, the Eastman feels pretty substantial, all this considered. The brass body has the solid feel you’d want from a basic outdoor plumbing fixture, and there isn’t much here to overcomplicate operation or maintenance. If you’re replacing a simple hose bibb and don’t need frost protection, push-to-connect installation, or a more modern design, this is an affordable and dependable option. It’s especially appealing if you prefer the finer water-flow adjustment of a traditional multi-turn faucet.

What our tester says: “I appreciated the retro-looking style of this classic faucet. It was easy to screw into place, and its full brass construction is sturdy and long-lasting.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Eastman outdoor faucet at Amazon. 

Our Ratings

Of all the traditional-looking outdoor faucets we tested, the American Valve M71QT was our favorite to actually operate. Instead of twisting a small knob several times, its large lever moves from fully closed to fully open with a simple quarter turn. There’s no guessing about whether you’ve shut the water off completely, and turning it on takes almost no effort.

Installation is similarly uncomplicated. If you already have the appropriate threaded connection, you simply thread the faucet into place. The brass body feels solid, and the large handle gives the entire faucet a more substantial feel than many inexpensive hose bibbs.

Our biggest complaint is the rubber covering on the lever. On the faucet we tested, it slipped off more easily than we expected. It doesn’t stop the faucet from functioning, but we’d prefer the grip to feel more securely attached. A ball valve also doesn’t provide the same precise flow adjustment as a multi-turn compression faucet. For our own use, that’s a trade-off we’d make every time, since we generally want the water fully on or fully off anyway. Like several other faucets in this test, it isn’t frost-free, so you’ll need to account for freezing temperatures if that’s a concern where you live.

Get the American Valve outdoor faucet at Amazon and The Home Depot. 

Our Ratings

The Everbilt sillcock is about as traditional as an outdoor faucet gets, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s inexpensive, feels solid, and was an easy replacement for an older threaded faucet. If your existing plumbing already has the appropriate threaded connection, there’s not much involved beyond removing the old fixture, preparing the threads, and installing the new one.

One feature we particularly liked was the mounting flange. The screw holes give you clear attachment points for securing the faucet to the exterior wall, which helps the finished installation feel more stable instead of relying entirely on the plumbing connection. The handle is also simple and comfortable to operate, although it uses the familiar multi-turn design rather than a faster quarter-turn lever.

This model doesn’t try to solve every outdoor plumbing problem. It isn’t frost-free, it doesn’t use a push-to-connect fitting, and visually it looks like a conventional hose bibb. But if that’s exactly what you’re replacing, those aren’t necessarily disadvantages. For an older home with an existing threaded faucet connection, the Everbilt can be one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make the swap while still getting a sturdy brass fixture and secure wall mounting.

Get the Everbilt outdoor faucet at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

Frost protection isn’t something our tester needs in Florida, but the SharkBite frost-free sillcock makes a lot of sense if your winters regularly bring freezing temperatures. Its long barrel positions the shutoff point deeper inside the house, helping keep standing water away from the colder exterior part of the faucet.

What makes this model ideal for a retrofit is SharkBite’s push-to-connect fitting. Some frost-free sillcocks need soldering or additional fittings inside the house, while this one can connect without either. It’s still a more involved project than replacing a small threaded hose bibb because the longer barrel has to pass through the exterior wall and be positioned correctly, but the connection itself is simple.

It’s also important to understand that “frost-free” doesn’t mean you can install the faucet any way you want and forget about it. The barrel needs to slope correctly so water can drain after the valve is shut. Leaving a garden hose connected can also trap water inside the faucet and allow freeze damage. Installed properly, however, the SharkBite provides a much better solution for cold climates than a conventional exterior faucet, while retaining the easy plumbing connection that made our Best Overall pick stand out.

Get the SharkBite frost-free outdoor faucet at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

The Aquor House Hydrant V2+ is in a completely different class from the inexpensive hose bibbs in this test. Instead of having a faucet protruding from the exterior wall, the Aquor installs nearly flush, leaving behind a sleek stainless steel plate. Visually, it looks fantastic and gives the outside of the house a much cleaner, more finished appearance.

Using it is different, too. Rather than turning a handle, you insert Aquor’s proprietary hose connector and twist it into place to open the valve. It’s fast and convenient once you’re used to it. The hydrant itself feels exceptionally well made, although the connector didn’t impress us quite as much. It has a somewhat plasticky feel compared with the premium stainless steel fixture, and because the proprietary connector is the only way to operate the hydrant, we’d be frustrated if years of regular use eventually meant having to replace it.

Installation is another consideration. This isn’t necessarily a quick twist-off, twist-on replacement, especially if you don’t have easy access to the plumbing on the other side of the wall. And at several times the price of a conventional hose bibb, it is unquestionably a luxury purchase. What you’re paying for is appearance, convenience, and premium construction. If those things matter to you, the Aquor is the most impressive faucet we tested.

Get the Aquor outdoor faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Aquor.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Outdoor Faucets

Before testing, we researched more than two dozen outdoor faucets and considered a range of styles, including traditional compression faucets, quarter-turn ball valves, frost-free sillcocks, and more modern hydrant designs. We also spoke with Jason Best, an experienced plumber and owner of SewerRepairs, about what shoppers should look for. “Always choose a faucet made of brass, bronze, or stainless steel,” Best says. “Plastic faucets will not last and can easily break in extreme weather.”

From that initial research, we chose six outdoor faucets for hands-on testing over the course of a month. We installed and used each model, scoring it for installation, functionality, performance, build quality, and value. We considered how easily each faucet connected to existing plumbing, whether specialized tools or soldering were required, how comfortable and convenient the controls were, and how securely hoses attached. We also examined the materials, handles, fittings, and mounting points for durability.

Best also recommends considering backflow protection when choosing a faucet. “Based on countless service calls over the years, I always recommend installing a brass faucet with a vacuum breaker,” he says. “It will last for many years and provide peace of mind about water contamination.” We factored features such as frost protection, valve design, push-to-connect fittings, and overall construction into our scores, then weighed those results against each faucet’s price to determine our final picks.

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Faucet

The right outdoor faucet depends on your climate, the plumbing you already have in your home, and how you plan to use the faucet. Consider whether you need frost protection, backflow prevention, precise flow control, or a quick on-and-off use. The installation style matters too if you’re replacing an older faucet yourself. Materials, connection size, ease of maintenance, and overall durability can also make a difference in how well the faucet performs over time. 

Picking the Right Type of Faucet: Frost-Free, Anti-Siphon, and More

Outdoor faucets come in various types to suit different needs and climates. Learn more about each type below. 

Spigot

The traditional outdoor water spigot has a simple design and is threaded to connect to a garden hose directly. They use a compression valve that opens when the handle is turned to the left and closes when turned to the right. Compression valves open gradually with each turn of the handle, making it easy to fine-tune water flow from a trickle to a stream. The stem is located just beneath the handle, which makes them easy to maintain. However, this design also means the water supply to the hose spigot must be shut off during the winter to prevent water from freezing inside the stem and damaging the faucet.

Frost-Free

A frost-free faucet has a long stem that extends to the home’s internal plumbing. This design prevents water from freezing inside the faucet, eliminating the need to shut off the outdoor faucet’s water supply in the wintertime. Keep in mind that this design means the water will run for a second or two longer than a traditional faucet when shut off in order to drain the longer stem.

Anti-Siphon

Changes in pressure in your home’s plumbing can cause water to be sucked back into the water supply. This can contaminate the water in your home if a garden hose sits in a muddy puddle when the pressure drops. Anti-siphon faucets prevent water from being sucked back in through the outdoor faucet, protecting the clean water supply in your home from contamination. Consider an anti-siphon faucet if you’ll often attach a garden hose (or multiple garden hoses). 

Ball Valve

This type of faucet has a brass ball with a hole inside it. When the faucet handle is in the open position, water is able to pass through the hole and out of the faucet. Ball valve faucets have large lever-style handles that fully open the valve with a simple quarter turn. This design allows the user to turn the water on and off quickly, but makes it difficult to control the faucet’s flow rate. 

Yard Hydrants

Yard hydrants differ from other outdoor faucets because they are not attached to the home. They instead sit on a pipe that extends 2 to 3 feet out of the ground. This design frees the outdoor faucet from an exterior wall of the home, allowing the user to install the faucet in a garden or other part of the yard (hose timers are a great accessory to consider for these types of setups). Yard hydrants require plumbing to be extended from the house to the hydrant location below the frost line, typically about 2 feet underground.  

Material and Maintenance

Like indoor plumbing fixtures, outdoor plumbing is made from durable metal that can resist rust and corrosion. While indoor faucets are made from chrome or stainless steel finishes with brass internal components, outdoor faucets consist of rugged solid brass or galvanized steel capable of enduring extreme weather conditions. Compression-style faucets typically use a rubber stopper to create a watertight seal when the faucet is closed. 

These stoppers must be replaced every few years to prevent them from failing and causing a leak. For that reason, most outdoor faucets have handles the user can remove with simple tools to access the stem and rubber washers. 

Size and Water Pressure

Outdoor faucets come in either ½-inch or ¾-inch diameters. Purchase a faucet that matches the size of the pipes inside the home. While outdoor faucets that are ¾ inch in diameter will carry more water pressure than those with smaller ½-inch pipes, attaching a ¾-inch garden bibb to a ½-inch supply line using an adapter will not increase water pressure from the faucet.

Installation and Ease of Use

Most outdoor faucets have a simple design that’s intended for easy installation and include male ends that can connect to copper, PVC, or galvanized steel plumbing when paired with the appropriate adapter (which is sold separately). Some outdoor faucets have push-to-connect fittings, which allow the user to connect the faucet to the supply line in seconds.

Tips on How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Although outdoor faucets are designed to be durable, eventually most will require maintenance to prevent leaks. The good news is, most leaky outdoor faucets are easy to repair. To fix a leaky outdoor faucet, remove the handle and tighten the retaining nut with a pair of pliers. If that doesn’t do the trick, you’ll likely need to replace the washer assembly. Washers are made of soft rubber, which eventually dries out and cracks. 

To change the washer assembly, remove the stem and remove the screw that holds the assembly together and trade out the washer with a new one. The leak may also be caused by the vacuum breaker at the top of the faucet (if your outdoor water spigot has one). Pop the cap off the faucet using a flathead screwdriver and inspect the parts. If they’re dirty, clean them off and reassemble the breaker. If damaged, replace the parts. 

• Tighten the retaining nut with pliers.
• Replace the washer assembly on the stem.
• Clean or repair the vacuum breaker on the faucet.

FAQs

If you’re wondering which new outdoor faucet (or outdoor faucet replacement) is the best, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions. 

Q. Is it better to drip or cover outdoor faucets?

An insulated cover can help prevent frozen pipes and faucets in cold climates, but only to a certain degree. They’re more suitable if you live in a mild climate. If the temperature falls below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, that cover likely won’t be enough. Allowing the faucet to drip is one way to prevent freeze damage to the faucet, but it is by no means a long-term solution unless you like the idea of wasting water and jacking up your utility bill. Most outdoor faucets have a cutoff that allows you to close off and drain the line that leads to the outdoor spigot. Alternatively, install a freeze-proof spigot if you need it for year-round use. 

Q. What is the difference between a faucet and a spigot?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but generally speaking, a spigot is a plumbing fitting that extends to the exterior of the home. Most of the time, a faucet is the term used to describe fittings on the home’s interior unless the word “outdoor” precedes the word “faucet.”

Q. Should outside faucets be left open or closed in winter?

Closed (after you drain it). When winterizing pipes, don’t forget outdoor faucets. Before the first freeze, turn off the water valve inside the home for the exterior water faucet. Then, open the faucet to let remaining water drain out. You can close the faucet after all the remaining water has drained out. 

Q. What is the standard outdoor faucet size?

Outdoor faucets are either ½-inch or ¾-inch in diameter. The size typically matches the plumbing inside the home. So, if the supply lines in the house are ¾-inch in diameter, the outdoor faucet will likely be ¾-inch.

Q. How much should it cost to replace an outside faucet?

The cost to replace an outside faucet ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the area. Installing a new outdoor hose bibb typically costs between $200 and $500.

Q. How do you keep outside faucets from freezing?

To prevent an outdoor faucet from freezing, either install a frost-free hose bibb or turn the shut-off valve that leads the faucet to the off position, then open the faucet to drain the line. 

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a product tester and writer who regularly reviews home-improvement tools and fixtures. For this guide, he installed and used each outdoor faucet himself, focusing on installation, durability, ease of use, and value to give readers straightforward, practical recommendations.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick and Jasmine Harding.

 

All You Need to Care for Your Lawn & Garden

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.

SEE OUR FAVORITES