7 Best Expandable Garden Hoses of 2024

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The Best Expandable Garden Hoses

best expandable garden hose reel uk review
  1. Best all-round expandable hose - Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose

  2. Best seamless hose - LUFENG Expandable Garden Hose

  3. Best for connecting to an additional hose - Homeme Strong Expandable Hose

  4. Best hose for durability - TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose

  5. Best long hose - HmiL-U Expandable Garden Hose

  6. Best for use with sprinklers - KETTOYA Upgraded Expandable Hose

  7. Best lightweight expandable hose - HOSE-PRO Expandable Hose

Expandable Garden Hose Reviews

Editors Choice
  • The brass fittings are very secure and fit well to prevent leaks.
  • It's lightweight which makes it extremely easy to manage, even when fully extended.
  • Surprisingly compact, it stores away very neatly, taking up only about a third of the space of a traditional hose.
  • Comes with extra washers which can be used when originals wear out, extending the life of the hose and preventing leaks.
  • The spray settings are far reaching, this increases the distance you can water with this hose even further.

  • It can be tiring on hands after prolonged use because the spray head's trigger needs to be held down - there is no locking system.
  • The outer nylon mesh can be prone to snagging so you need to be careful dragging it over rough terrain.
  • It can be a battle to keep the hose at full extension because it fights to retract.
  • Be careful not to drop the hose head as the plastic can break easily.
  • Can become leaky if exposed to cold weather conditions - it needs to be stored carefully over winter.
Expanded Length
30m
Shrunk length
10m
Weight
2.13kg
Spray settings
8
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4.8
Longevity
4.5
Durability
4.5
Value for Money
4.3

In the past, expandable garden hoses would have been the stuff of dreams. Imagine: owning a hose that reaches the end of the garden, but also tidies away neatly without leaving a coiled mess on the patio.

Luckily, times have moved on, and this Flexi Hose is capable of offering you just that. It arrives in a surprisingly small, compact box, but don’t worry – looks truly can be deceiving.

Flexi-Hose-Upgraded-Expandable-Garden-Hose-review

This garden hose packs down small, but can extend up to 30 m, firmly leaving the days of ‘not quite managing to reach the end border’ behind. Once you’ve finished using it, it will shrink down to 10 m, leaving nothing but an extremely manageable hosepipe to put away. All you need to do is shut off the faucet and spray out the remaining water.

Flexi-Hose-Upgraded-Expandable-Garden-Hose-length

Standard ¾” screw fittings come supplied, which are made of good quality brass, but you will need to buy a connector if you have an older ½” faucet.

Flexi-Hose-Upgraded-Expandable-Garden-Hose-fittings

The level of power provided by this hose is excellent, especially compared to other expandable models, and it comes with an 8-setting spray head – it’s just as useful for washing the car as it is for watering the plants.

Just two things to note: firstly, if you’re after a fine mister for your plants, you may want to consider purchasing a separate spray head – the mist setting can be a little powerful! Secondly, you do need to have at least 4 bars of water pressure available to get the most out of this hose.

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Runner Up
  • Water can be left on constantly or used manually with trigger.
  • Comes with fitting options for 1/2" and 3/4" taps.
  • Seamless hose pipe means no weaknesses along seams.
  • Compact size takes up very little room in the garden and in storage.

  • Users note that it is heavier than some other expandable hoses, especially when filled.
  • Some say the plastic spray head isn't as durable as it could be.
  • There is no shut off valve, so you have to empty hose to change use - to go from using spray head to attaching to sprinkler, etc.
  • The polyester casing may catch on rough surfaces and become damaged.
  • Can lose extension when hose is used and water pressure inside hose drops.
Expanded Length
45m
Shrunk length
15m
Weight
3.04kg
Spray settings
9
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4.4
Longevity
4.3
Durability
4.4
Value for Money
4.1

The majority of hosepipes have a seam running down their centre, which can be a weak point liable to leaking; however, the LUFENG Expandable Garden Hose has been created seamlessly, eliminating this potential weakness.

The casing is made from 2200D polyester which is pretty heavyweight, protecting the hose from general wear and tear. This covering may catch and fray when pulled across rougher surfaces, so that is something to be aware of.

Whether you’re after a jet, cone, or shower, the 9-pattern spray head comes well equipped. You can easily move between pet cleaning, plant watering and car washing with a simple twist.

The hose head also gives the option to leave the spray on, which is an improvement on some other hose designs where you have to wear your hand out holding down the trigger.

Two connectors come included and the hose easily attaches to either a ¾” or ½” faucet.

It’s slightly longer than many expandable hoses, which often reach 30 m. This Lufeng hose expands all the way up to 45 m, and then shrinks down to 15 m when not in use.

Bear in mind, as is often the case with these hoses, that maximum extension will depend somewhat on your available water pressure. If you don’t have high water pressure, you may find that the hose retracts slightly when you hold the spray trigger.

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Also Good

3. Homeme Strong Expandable Hose

Best for connecting to an additional hose

best expandable garden hose Homeme Strong Expandable Hose
  • Can be attached to another hose if you want something even longer.
  • Comes with a drawstring storage bag which it fits into easily and is extremely compact.
  • Stands up well to daily use without showing wear and tear.
  • Brass fittings are high quality and much sturdier than any plastic alternatives.
  • Doesn't kink, knot or tangle itself meaning the water flows consistently.

  • When spraying at full force the water pressure may drop and cause the hose to retract.
  • The head is not as durable as the hose and some users have had to replace it after a few months.
  • Not very practical to use with a sprinkler - sprinkler needs to be turned on to allow hose to extend meaning you get wet!
  • May not reach the claimed 30 m/ 100 ft length, depending on your water pressure.
  • Fabric outer layer may catch on rough surfaces and snag, especially when retracting.
Expanded Length
30m
Shrunk length
10m
Weight
1.98kg
Spray settings
9
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4.5
Longevity
4.2
Durability
4.2
Value for Money
4.3

One of the best things about expandable garden hoses is how much space they save in the garden. The Homeme Strong Expandable Garden Hose is no exception; it even comes with its own compact storage bag so it can be hung out the way.

When not in use, this Homeme hose measures only 10 m; even if you leave it out, it won’t get in the way. Once the tap is on, it extends to 3 times that length, giving you a reach of 30 m to play with – perfect whether you’re washing down patio furniture or watering the borders.

If you have a hard-to-reach area in your garden and need further extension, you can even join two of these together or connect it to your existing hose.

This hose also does a particularly good job of avoiding kinks and knots; trust me, you haven’t known pure happiness until you’ve managed to water your whole garden without running back to untangle the hose even once.

It’s light, weighing only 2.3 kg, and you don’t feel like you’re partaking in resistance-training as you move it around your garden. Even so, it’s still made of sturdy stuff.

It’s constructed from hard-wearing triple latex, has an elasticated outer coating, and features high-quality, sturdy brass fittings that are easy to connect.

A word of note: this may not be the right expandable hose if you are looking to connect it to your sprinkler. This Homeme model doesn’t feature an on/off valve meaning there’s no way to turn it off as you attach it to your sprinkler (and the tap needs to be on so that the hose stays extended!).

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  • Powerful jet setting that can reach a further 6 m.
  • Comfortable hand gun has an on/off lever so you can lock it in place and don't need to be constantly holding the trigger.
  • The mist setting is extremely fine, perfect for delicate plants.
  • Does not kink, tangle or loop when in use or when retracting.
  • Easy to fit to the tap and reassuringly 'clicks' into place.

  • Without high water pressure it can be difficult to get the hose to extend fully.
  • Threads on casing can easily fray if dragged on very rough ground such as gravel.
  • Some force is required to encourage hose to reach full extension. This does get slightly easier over time.
  • Connectors sometimes require tweaking and adjusting to stop leaks.
Expanded Length
30m
Shrunk length
10m
Weight
2.3kg
Spray settings
8
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4.4
Longevity
4.5
Durability
4.7
Value for Money
4.5

One recurring problem with expandable hoses is their lack of durability. Fortunately, TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose offers a solution; it’s a key player when it comes to durable expandable hoses.

This hose has been specifically designed for resilience, with an upgraded core consisting of a whopping 13 layers of latex.

This hose extends up to 30 m, which is 3 times its original starting length, yet it remains strong, lightweight and flexible. It returns to its starting size in just a few seconds once the water has drained.

The elasticated fabric casing that surrounds the expandable hose is hardwearing; however, you do still need to take care dragging it across very rough terrain. That said, it will stand up well to regular usage, and can handle sharp corners too.

The brass connectors are of good quality, fitting well onto standard taps, and the 8-setting spray head includes a super-fine mist setting – perfect for delicate plants!  There is also a powerful jet setting, with a range of 6 m, so this hose offers plenty of reach.

For the first few uses, this hose may not extend to its full potential; it needs to stretch a little first. There is a tactic for getting it to expand as much as possible: turn on the tap, and allow the water to stretch the hose, before activating the spray head. Over time, this will encourage TheFitLife hose to extend further.

Overall, this is the best expandable hose for durability. Not only does it have a thick, upgraded core, it also has a flexible elastic coating and high-quality brass connectors.

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  • Spray head can be locked so you don't need to constantly hold the trigger down.
  • Longest length tends to be suitable for reaching from back garden faucet to driveway.
  • Particularly flexible hose makes it especially easy to navigate around flowerbeds.
  • The brass connectors are much less prone to leaking than plastic ones.
  • Comes with hanger that can be hooked over tap and allow hose to be stored compactly within easy reach.

  • Only screw-on connectors supplied, you'll need to buy a push fit connector separately if you need one.
  • Care needs to be taken as can be punctured by thorny plants such as rosebushes.
  • The weight when filled may be difficult for some users to manage.
  • When spray trigger is pulled, extended hose is prone to retracting.
  • Some users state that the plastic handle can start to leak after time.
Expanded Length
45m
Shrunk length
15m
Weight
2.8kg
Spray settings
9
Overall Score 4.2
Design
4.3
Longevity
4.2
Durability
4.2
Value for Money
4.1

If you’re looking for a longer hose option, the HmiL-U Expandable Garden Hose should certainly be on your radar. It’s one of the best hoses for bigger gardens, making it easy to water the front garden too, measuring 45 m when extended.

(There are shorter options available as well, in case you aren’t after quite so much reach.)

Hmil-U have created a hose that is both durable, with sturdy brass fittings and a non-kink rubber interior, and flexible. It is still easy to navigate around the flowerbeds even with its reinforced design.

That said, some care needs to be taken around thorny plants and spikey gravel – despite its strong construction, it’s still not completely puncture proof!

The 9-pattern spray head offers a lot of power when needed, but is also capable of producing a light mist – perfect for delicate flowers and shrubs.

It’s worth pointing out that, due to its longer length, this may not be the best expandable hose for people who struggle with heavy lifting. Once filled, it’s one of the weightier options.

Finally, the connectors that come with this hose are screw fit. If you have ‘quick-release’ tap fittings, you may want to purchase an adapter to use with this hose.

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6. KETTOYA Upgraded Expandable Hose[ SAVE 15% ]

Best for use with sprinklers

best expandable garden hose KETTOYA Upgraded Expandable Hose
  • Spray head has brass fittings which are more durable than plastic alternatives.
  • Shut off valve on spray end makes hose easier to use with sprinkler systems.
  • Spray head has plenty of watering settings suitable for all kinds of jobs.
  • Hose is slim, without a bulky casing, making it easy to move around.
  • Comes with spare washers which are useful for preventing leaks.

  • Some users have had problems with the spray head leaking from the joining seam.
  • Connector on spray end isn't compatible with sprinklers- another connector will need to be purchased.
  • No mounting screws included for fixing hose holder to the wall.
  • Included instructions could be clearer relating to how to attach to faucet.
  • Casing can snag and catch on rough ground leading to fraying.
Expanded Length
30m
Shrunk length
10m
Weight
1.96kg
Spray settings
10
Overall Score 4.4
Design
4.6
Longevity
4.5
Durability
4.4
Value for Money
4.2

The KETTOYA Expandable Garden Hose is less bulky than some other hoses, with a smooth outer casing that makes it extremely compact when not in use.

Like many other models, it’s capable of shrinking down to just 10 m. Yet, thanks to its streamlined casing, this hose packs away even smaller. It can be stored either in the supplied carry bag, or looped over the included wall hook.

A shut-off valve is fitted just under the spray head, which means the water can be turned off from the spray end. This useful feature means that the hose can stay expanded (which wouldn’t happen if you turned the water off at the source) whilst you connect other appliances (such as a sprinkler).

It is worth noting that an extra connector may be needed to use this hose with a sprinkler; depending on your sprinkler model, you might require a connector that changes the hose’s screw fitting to a ‘quick release’ one.

The spray head comes with 10 different spray settings – most models tend to come with around 8 – making this one of the top expandable hoses if you’re looking for range and versatility.

Another point in favour of this spray head is that it connects to the hose using brass fittings. Many expandable hoses connect to the spray head with a plastic fitting, which can prove to be a weak point over time.

If you’re hoping to use the included wall bracket, just be aware that you’ll need to provide your own mounting screws – but the likelihood is you’ve got a couple lying around anyway!

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7. HOSE-PRO Expandable Hose

Best lightweight expandable hose

best expandable garden hose HOSE PRO Expandable Hose
  • On/off valve at sprayer end allows easy connection to sprinkler suystems etc.
  • Lightweight and suitable for people who struggle with heavier hoses.
  • Users have found the metal fittings to be better at preventing leaks than plastic alternatives.
  • Shrinks down well after use with limited involvement needed.
  • Reaches around the house well from a back tap to front driveway.

  • Only comes with screw-on connectors so you'll need to buy others if you have a 'quick fit' attachment tap.
  • Some found that the outer casing was prone to fraying when dragged on the ground.
  • The instructions could be easier to read and understand.
  • The metal fittings could be of thicker, better quality.
  • The outer casing is bulkier than with some other models.
Expanded Length
30m
Shrunk length
10m
Weight
1.25kg
Spray settings
8
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4.4
Longevity
4.1
Durability
4.1
Value for Money
4.6

Owing to their construction, some expandable hoses wind up being pretty heavy. If you’re after something particularly lightweight, the HOSE-PRO Expandable Garden Hose is a great option to consider.

It’s a durable and flexible hose pipe, manufactured using modern materials which lead to it weighing only 1.25 kg. Given that hoses get heavier when full of water, starting with such a light base can be invaluable.

Despite being so lightweight, this garden hose can expand to a length of 30 m – equal to many of the heavier expandable hoses featured on this list. It automatically returns to its original length when empty of water, making it simple and quick to stash away.

Whether you’re watering plants, cleaning the patio or hosing out the guttering, you’ll find a suitable setting with the HOSE-PRO’s 8-option spray head. It can produce a range of mists, sprays and jets, suitable for a number of domestic tasks.

It is also generally long enough to reach from the back garden to the driveway, perfect if you’re looking for something to make car cleaning easier.

One thing to bear in mind is that this hose’s casing is bulkier than some other options, meaning it takes up a touch more space in storage. The casing has sometimes been known to fray as well, so needs to be used carefully over rough ground; it’s best used over lawns rather than gravel.

All things considered; this is the best expandable hose if you want a lightweight option. It is a manageable weight for moving in and out of storage and will be easier to support than heavier models.

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Product Tester

Growing Expert
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Clive's Smart Buying Tips

  1. For most medium-size gardens, a 30 m expandable hose will be perfect. These hoses only measure around 10 metres long when not in use, so, as you can imagine, they’re easy to store and help with conserving storage space. In a large garden, a 45 m hose will give you plenty to work with. These retract down to approximately 15 m.
  2. The best expandable garden hose will weigh between 2 – 3 kg, it’ll be easy to store and won’t kink like a traditional hose. Many expandable hoses can stretch up to three times their original length and quickly shrink back to their modest starting size when not in use. Plus, if you need even more reach, you can connect two or more expandable hoses together.
  3. If you’re wondering how expandable hoses work, it’s all about the core. The hose’s inner tube is made from expandable latex which starts stretching out within seconds of the tap being turned on. You’ll see the hose start to uncoil in front of your eyes across the garden. When the water is shut off, the hose will drain itself and shrink. It will wind its way back down to its original, manageable size for storage.
  4. The outer fabric of the hose should be made from a durable material. Look for a casing that’s made from a tight weave fabric, like nylon, or thick fibres, like 3300D polyester. Quality materials like this will stop the casing from becoming damaged as it drags and stretches across the ground.
  5. For medium gardens, the popular Flexi Hose is a great choice. It’s 30 m (100 ft) long when expanded, and shrinks down to just 10 m. If you’ve got a larger outdoor space, I would recommend checking out the Lufeng Expandable Hose which can reach up to a whopping 45 m (150 ft)!

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose
    best expandable garden hose Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose
    • 4.5
    • 30m
    • 10m
    • 2.13kg
    • 8
  • LUFENG Expandable Garden Hose
    best expandable garden hose LUFENG Expandable Garden Hose
    • 4.3
    • 45m
    • 15m
    • 3.04kg
    • 9
  • Homeme Strong Expandable Hose
    best expandable garden hose Homeme Strong Expandable Hose
    • 4.3
    • 30m
    • 10m
    • 1.98kg
    • 9
  • TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose
    best expandable garden hose TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose
    • 4.5
    • 30m
    • 10m
    • 2.3kg
    • 8
  • HmiL-U Expandable Garden Hose
    best expandable garden hose HmiL U Expandable Garden Hose
    • 4.2
    • 45m
    • 15m
    • 2.8kg
    • 9
  • KETTOYA Upgraded Expandable Hose
    best expandable garden hose KETTOYA Upgraded Expandable Hose
    • 4.4
    • 30m
    • 10m
    • 1.96kg
    • 10
  • HOSE-PRO Expandable Hose
    best expandable garden hose HOSE PRO Expandable Hose
    • 4.3
    • 30m
    • 10m
    • 1.25kg
    • 8

How to Choose The Best Expandable Garden Hose

Many people are switching from traditional hoses to an expandable hose.

If you’re considering buying one yourself, take a look at the following tips to help you make an informed purchase.

Why Hose Durability is Important

If you have a large, sprawling garden with lots of trees and shrubs to manoeuvre around, I would recommend choosing one of the more durable products on offer. I say this because you will be dragging your hose a long way, and it will need a strong outer webbing to be able to withstand this type of terrain.

Similarly, look for a more durable hose if you will be pulling it across hard surfaces such as concrete, or using it frequently to clean your car, garden furniture or patio. A more durable design will cope better with the wear and tear inflicted by these hard surfaces. However, if you simply need to water a few flower beds or pots then a less durable option will be fine for your needs.

READ NEXT: The Best Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reels

What factors make an expandable hose more durable?

  • Layers of latex – the more layers of latex that a hose has, the more durable it is. Most expandable hoses have 2 – 3 layers of latex. That said, the Fitlife Garden Hose featured on the above list has 13.
  • Strong outer webbing – expandable hoses need strong outer webbing to protect the core from rough garden terrain. The outer webbing also has to withstand expanding and contracting with the expansion of the hose, so it’s worth making sure it’s hardy

How does durability compare with that of a traditional hose?

It’s worth bearing in mind that expandable hoses can be less durable than traditional ones. They need to be made from materials that facilitate the expansion and contraction of the hose, which means they can’t always be as tough as traditional plastic ones.

Signs of Good Quality

The best expandable garden hose should be made of double- or triple-layer latex, protected by a woven nylon outer covering. The coating provides good breathability and protection from the elements. You should avoid any products that are not made of these durable materials because cheaper products may split or puncture easily.

Equally, look out for cheap plastic fittings. Most good-quality expandable hoses will have brass fittings, but make sure this is the case before you make your purchase. Cheap plastic fittings get cheap results; they will often break and leak causing you more money in the long run!

READ NEXT: How to Water Plants When You’re on Holiday

Check Your Water pressure

You should also check your water pressure. If you are attaching your hose to the mains it will work fine. However, if your tap is fed from a tank or other water storage system you may struggle to get enough pressure to fill the hose sufficiently for it to expand.

Some hoses also state a maximum pressure that they can withstand in the instructions. Failure to keep to this pressure may result in leaks or even in the hose bursting.

You can buy a water pressure reducer to attach to your tap if necessary.

READ NEXT: The Best Water Butts

Check Your Fittings Compatibility

Make sure to check the hose fittings. The above products fit standard taps, but it is wise to check the product description to make sure they are compatible with your tap.

Expandable Garden Hose FAQs

Expandable hoses are definitely worth it. While they may have earned a reputation of not being as robust as traditional rubber hoses, quality has come a long way in recent years, and they’re now so much stronger than they used to be. Compared to a rubber hose, an expandable hose offers up some unique benefits, such as:

  • They’re very lightweight, which is ideal for people who find long rubber hoses heavy to carry around
  • They don’t kink, meaning that you won’t have to waste time (and water) untwisting the hose mid-use, or trying to untangle it once you’re done
  • They usually come with higher-quality fittings than rubber hoses
  • They shrink down quickly and easily, making storage simple

When it comes to lifespan, there isn’t really a difference between expandable hoses and traditional rubber hoses – it all depends on how you care for them. When properly looked after, an expandable hose could easily last for ten years, or even longer. To keep your expandable hose in tip-top condition, you’ll need to:

  • Never leave the water running for too long when the hose isn’t being used – too much pressure will damage it
  • Avoid completely stretching the hose out when it’s empty
  • Fully drain the hose and store it in a frost-free location over the winter months
  • Fully drain the hose and store it in the shade when the weather is particularly hot and sunny
  • Avoid allowing your hose to drag on hard surfaces

Some expandable hoses are fantastic, while others are pretty shoddy. To make sure that you’re purchasing a quality expandable hose, look for the following:

  • An inner tube that has been insulated with at least two layers
  • Brass fittings to prevent leaks
  • An outer layer that’s made from a tough, abrasion-proof fabric to prevent it from snagging and tearing
  • A suitable length for your garden

Yes and no. You can use your expandable hose to connect your garden tap to your pressure washer via its inlet valve. However, never connect an expandable hose to the water outlet point of a pressure washer – the hose won’t be able to cope with the high pressure, meaning that it will more than likely burst.

So long as you have drained all of the water out of the hose, then yes, an expandable hose will easily wind its way around a hose reel. This not only makes it more convenient to use the hose, but also makes storage easy. That said, since expandable hoses shrink down so much when empty and don’t kink when in use, they don’t actually need to be rolled up – storing and using them is easy either way!

While it’s fine to leave your hose in the garden occasionally, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight. In general, a hose will last longer if you drain it and store it properly after use.

It is certainly not advisable to leave your hose out over winter when temperatures may drop below freezing. If water freezes within your hose it is likely to cause lasting damage.

If possible, store your hose hanging up or on a garden hose reel so that any residual moisture can drain away. Store in a frost-free environment over winter.

Yes, it’s easy to connect an expandable hose to your existing one.

You can buy hose connectors from DIY stores or online. You can also connect two or more expandable hoses together if you need an extra-long hose.

Yes, replacement spray guns are readily available from DIY shops, garden centres, and online.

All of the above products have removable and replaceable spray nozzles.

Yes, you can attach an expandable hose to a mixer tap. However, you may have to purchase an additional connector for it to fit.

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