Best Retractable & Expandable Hoses for DIYers
Tired of coiling? A retractable reel rewinds the hose for you and keeps it tidy and protected; an expandable hose shrinks down for easy storage. Both trade some durability for convenience.
What to look for
- ·Wall-mounted retractable reels are the most durable and convenient, but cost more and need mounting. Pick a length that reaches your whole yard plus slack.
- ·Expandable hoses are light and store tiny, but are less durable and best for light watering, not heavy spraying.
- ·Look for brass fittings, a good pressure rating, and a lock so the reel stays put at your working length.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giraffe Tools Retractable Hose Reel | Editor's pick | $150 to $250 | The best all-around reel |
| Eley Rapid Reel Wall-Mount | Editor's pick | $200 to $300 (with hose) | Premium durability |
| Hoselink Retractable Reel | Editor's pick | $150 to $220 | Reliable auto-rewind |
| Eneacro Retractable Hose Reel | Best value | $90 to $140 | Best value reel |
| NEOTEC Retractable Hose Reel | Best value | $110 to $150 | Durable value reel |
| Gardena Wall-Mounted Hose Reel | Best value | $80 to $130 | Small to medium yards |
| Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose | Budget pick | $30 to $50 | Light watering and small spaces |
| Knoikos Expandable Garden Hose | Budget pick | $25 to $45 | Budget expandable with nozzle |
| Store-Brand Expandable Hose | Budget pick | $20 to $40 | Lowest-cost compact hose |
Editor's pick
Giraffe Tools Retractable Hose Reel
$150 to $250
A top-rated wall-mounted retractable reel with a lockable hose and 180-degree swivel, in lengths up to 130 feet. Tidy, durable, and convenient for the whole yard.
Best for: The best all-around reel
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Eley Rapid Reel Wall-Mount
$200 to $300 (with hose)
A premium manual reel system that pairs with Eley's excellent polyurethane hose for long life and smooth winding. The pick for durability and quality.
Best for: Premium durability
Typically available at Amazon.
Hoselink Retractable Reel
$150 to $220
A well-built auto-rewind reel with a no-kink hose and a slow-retract mechanism. A clean, reliable wall-mounted system for everyday watering.
Best for: Reliable auto-rewind
Typically available at Amazon.
Best value
Eneacro Retractable Hose Reel
$90 to $140
The best bang-for-buck retractable reel, with a 100-foot hose and auto-rewind at a friendly price. A strong value for a tidy hose setup.
Best for: Best value reel
Typically available at Amazon.
NEOTEC Retractable Hose Reel
$110 to $150
A durable reel with a 600 PSI rating and brass fittings that resist corrosion, at a mid-range price. A good value for heavier everyday use.
Best for: Durable value reel
Typically available at Amazon.
Gardena Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
$80 to $130
A tidy wall-mounted reel from a respected garden brand, good for small to medium yards. Reliable and clean-looking at a reasonable price.
Best for: Small to medium yards
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Budget pick
Flexi Hose Expandable Garden Hose
$30 to $50
A top expandable hose that shrinks down for easy storage, light and kink-free for gentle watering. Best for small yards and light duty, not heavy spraying.
Best for: Light watering and small spaces
Typically available at Amazon.
Knoikos Expandable Garden Hose
$25 to $45
An affordable expandable hose with a spray nozzle included, easy to store and carry. A budget pick for balconies, small gardens, and casual use.
Best for: Budget expandable with nozzle
Typically available at Amazon.
Store-Brand Expandable Hose
$20 to $40
The cheapest way to get a compact, easy-store hose for light tasks. Less durable, but ultra-portable and fine for occasional gentle watering.
Best for: Lowest-cost compact hose
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
Frequently asked
Are retractable hose reels worth it?+
If you dislike coiling and want a tidy yard, yes. A wall-mounted retractable reel rewinds the hose for you, keeps it out of the sun, and extends its life. The trade-offs are upfront cost and mounting it securely.
Are expandable hoses any good?+
They are light, kink-resistant, and store tiny, which is great for small yards, balconies, and light watering. They are less durable than rubber or polymer hoses and can burst under high pressure, so they suit gentle use.
Retractable reel or expandable hose?+
A retractable reel is the durable, convenient choice for regular use and bigger yards. An expandable hose is the cheap, ultra-portable choice for light duty and small spaces. Pick by how heavily you water and how much you value storage.
How do I mount a retractable hose reel?+
Most wall-mount reels include a bracket you anchor into siding, brick, or a post with appropriate fasteners, near a spigot. Mount into solid backing (a stud or masonry anchor), since a full reel of water is heavy.
Why did my expandable hose burst?+
Expandable hoses can rupture under high water pressure or when left pressurized in the sun. Use them at moderate pressure, turn off the spigot when done, and drain and store them out of direct heat to extend their life.