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The GearLab testing team's home and garden experts stretched their hose testing capabilities to the max to figure out which expandable hoses were the best for watering the most with the least amount of hose. We researched the industry's leading expandable hose options online before picking the ten most promising options on the market today. We conducted hours of hands-on testing, stretching, coiling, and using each hose for a variety of watering-related chores around the house. After months of testing, analysis, and review, our team is ready to help you identify which type and model of expandable hose is best for your specific needs.
Editor's Note: Our expandable hose review was revised on October 1, 2024. We updated our lineup to include the best options on the market today and realigned our testing metrics and process to match with how we test other types of hoses.
Shrinks back to original size very well, flexible and easy to use
Re-coils well, great nozzle and spray performance
Shrinks well, included valve, resists kinking
Easy to stretch to full length, connectors are easy to use
Good spray performance, resists kinking
Good spray performance, good re-coiling effect
Easy to use, good range in expansion
Great variety of length options, shrinks really well, resists kinking well
Flexible and maneuverable, variety of length options, includes a valve
Great nozzle performance
Cons
Poor quality nozzle, not many size options
Coils get caught on each other easily, only one length option
Poor quality nozzle, heavier than average
Doesn't recoil at all, sub-par spray performance
Challenging to screw on, limited length variety
Doesn't expand to full length easily, connectors are small and not ergonomic
Difficult to use at max length, nozzle is unimpressive
Poor quality nozzle, stiff in movement
Questionable reviews on quality
Doesn't recoil at all, challenging to use connectors
Bottom Line
This hose outperformed others in our lineup thanks to consistent above-average performance and its ability to condense down to its original size better than others
Our favorite coil-style hose that shrinks back better than others, and has great spray performance
This hose has a lot of nice features and reshrinks well, making it ideal for boat or RV owners looking for a hose to store on board
This coil hose is easy to use, even at its max-stretch length, but falls short in spray performance
This hose boasts some of the best spray performance for an expandable hose, but falls short in most other areas
This hose excels if you're using it below its max length capacity, but is challenging to screw on and off spigots
This is a hybrid expansion hose that is good if you're looking for something in between a regular garden hose and an expandable option
We liked that this hose came in a variety of length options and reshrinks well for an expandable-style hose
This hose includes a built-in valve and is available in a variety of length options, and is relatively easy to use
An uninspiring coil hose that almost makes up for it with a good nozzle
Available Lengths: 25, 50, 100 ft | Expansion Type: Expandable
REASONS TO BUY
Shrinks back to original size well
Flexible
Easy to use
Budget-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor quality nozzle
Limited length options
Our testers found the Pocket Hose Silver Bullet to have good expansion and contraction capabilities. It maneuvered well and held its shape but remained flexible, making it one of our overall favorites. We tested the 50-foot option, and when contracted, it was 17.1 feet long, one of the shortest contracted lengths in the expansion models. Most expansion hoses become stiff from high water pressure and are difficult to maneuver, but the Pocket Hose remains flexible. This option is available in 25, 50, and 100 feet, weighing just 0.04 pounds per foot, among the lightest in the lineup. If you're looking for a simple hose that won't take up much storage space, this is a great budget-friendly model to consider.
Despite this model's all-around good performance, we found the included nozzle on the Pocket Hose very disappointing. Unfortunately, our nozzle broke on the first use. We swapped another nozzle in and were back to watering our plants with no issues. This hose is also only available in three length options, which is typical for expandable hoses but may leave you paying for more hose than you need. That said, the Pocket Hose shrinks back to its original size well, which means storing even the longest option is relatively easy. If you're looking for an option with more available hose lengths, the AmazingForLess Expandable comes in five different lengths ranging from 25 feet to 250 feet.
The Orbit Coil with ABS Threads is our favorite coil-style hose. Unlike expandable hoses that stretch with water pressure, coil hoses are more like springs, stretching out thanks to permanent coils. When untouched, this hose is only 2.4 feet long. In our testing, we found the Orbit recoils better than all the others in our lineup. We also really love the included nozzle with eight spray modes and top-notch spray performance.
We also found that the Orbit tends to get tangled up on itself easily, especially when dragging around yards or trying to recoil it for storage. The Orbit is also only available in one length option at 50 feet. For more length options in a coil hose, check out the Water Right Professional Coil, which comes in 25, 50, and 75 feet. Just note that while it has more options, it doesn't contract back as well as the Orbit, which contracts back to 5 feet. The Flexon CH5850 Coil was a close second with a very strong spring effect that recoils to 6 feet in length. For the instances where a coil hose is the right hose for the job, the Orbit is a solid option.
Available Lengths: 50, 75, 100 ft | Expansion Type: Expandable
REASONS TO BUY
Shrinks well
Valve and nozzle included
Kink resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Nozzle spray performance is subpar
Water pressure impacts stretch performance
The Flexi Hose is a premium expandable hose we think is well suited for boat or RV owners looking for a hose to store onboard. In testing, we found it reshrinks well, and it includes a valve, a handy feature for water conservation. The tested 50-foot version shrunk to 17.7 feet. It also comes in various length options that can easily stretch around most boats or RVs. It is flexible, and we had no problem maneuvering it as it slides around boat cleats, grab rails, stanchions, and pulleys with ease. The Flexi's sheath is also soft, meaning you won't scratch or scuff your vehicle's paint or gelcoat. We were impressed using this hose; it delivers on performance and has user-friendly features.
Despite the Flexi's convenience, we were less than impressed with its nozzle and spray performance. As long as you're okay using a different nozzle or the valve as a makeshift one, this doesn't have a significant impact on overall performance. If you'd really prefer to get a more dependable nozzle with your hose, the Xhose Pro comes with a great nozzle, and it comes in 25, 50, 75, or 100 foot lengths. The Flexi also tended to expand or contract on its own with changes in water pressure due to spraying versus not spraying. It didn't impact performance but was more noticeable than in other models. Overall, we feel the quality and performance of the Flexi are ideal for RV or boat owners who want a dependable hose on the go.
Available Lengths: 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 ft | Available Diameters: 5/8 in
REASONS TO BUY
Multiple length options
Reshrinks well
Difficult to kink
REASONS TO AVOID
Disappointing nozzle
Stiff movement
We appreciated the AmazingForLess Expandable for the variety of sizes it is available in. We found most expandable hoses are limited in this area, but the AmazingForLess is available in five length options from 25 to 150 feet. We tested the 50-foot model, and it reshrinks well to 17.5 feet. It also tends to resist kinking, which is helpful, especially when dealing with hoses of longer lengths.
The kink-resistant nature of the AmazingForLess hose probably contributed to its feeling stiff in our hands. It wasn't the most flexible hose to weave through our garden. The Pocket Hose Silver Bullet was much easier to maneuver, but the nozzle broke on the first use. We felt that the AmazingForLess also included a nozzle that left much to be desired, so a separate nozzle purchase may be a consideration. Overall, if you're looking for an expandable hose that is still available in longer lengths, we recommend this one.
The AmazingForLess takes about 30 seconds to contract after shutting off the flow of water, but does shrink back to its original size.
Credit: Hale Milano
Most of the expansion and coil-style hoses in our lineup performed very similarly to their counterpart models. Across all the different ways we tested these hoses, only slight pros and cons helped some models stand out as better for specific scenarios. After our analysis, we're confident that the type of hose you choose- expansion, coil, garden, or hose reel- is much more important than the specific hose model.
Compare Products
We put three different types of expandable hoses to the test, comparing features, performance, and ease of use in our own back yards.
Credit: Hale Milano
How We Test Expandable Hoses
The GearLab testing team is used to wading through the often-overlooked details that make some products stand out and others flop. Expandable hoses are a niche subsection of hoses that one might consider when space is at a premium or when you primarily need to water a few centrally located areas. We broke down our expandable hoses into categories based on the type of expansion and proceeded to design and implement a rigorous testing plan for each. We stretched each hose out and then measured its shrinking or contraction performance. We also looked at how easy they were to use across a variety of hose-related tasks, such as screwing onto spigots, watering, coiling, and storing. In addition to convenience, we measured the performance on each of those tasks as well, noting which did better than others. We noted each hose's construction quality and sifted through hundreds of online reviews for any noteworthy concerns. Lastly, we looked at the options each hose model and manufacturer provided to ensure you could find the exact hose to meet your specific needs.
We test for four key metrics:
Convenience (35% of overall score weighting)
Performance (35% weighting)
Construction Quality (20% weighting)
Variety of Options (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
GearLab is home to some of the best unbiased reviews backed by research, metrics, and hours of real-world testing by real-world people. Here at GearLab, we buy every product we test at full retail value, so you can trust that there are no financial incentives for us to favor one product over another. Our hose-testing guru has spent months using every type and style of hose imaginable, and is a veteran tester at GearLab well versed in our testing methodology. Lead tester Hale Milano has years of experience testing different types of tools and equipment and using our strict evaluation process to find the nuanced product details that separate the best from the rest. Whether you need a hose to wash your car, water a vegetable garden, or store in your RV for those rare camping showers, our analysis can help you find the right option for you.
If you are looking to grow herbs indoors, or compost kitchen scraps to give your garden beds a boost, our round-ups and in-depth reviews offer expert recommendations for the best products for your next DIY project. If you need some help forecasting the weather for your outdoor garden, we've also rounded up the best weather radios, top weather stations, and rain gauges to keep you in the know on the conditions of your garden.
Some expandable hoses have a hard time reshrinking after use and need to be pushed together manually, like with the Automan Recoil EVA shown here.
An included valve can be incredibly useful, like the one shown here on the Flexi Hose.
The plastic connectors on the Orbit Coil felt pretty solid and take out the possibility of rusting over time.
We examine and test every single detail so that you don't have to.
Analysis and Test Results
When we look at expandable hoses versus other kinds of hoses, what's most important to note is the reason for selecting one type versus another. The primary advantage of an expandable hose is the limited space it takes to store compared to other hose types. Compared to your favorite trusty garden hose, performance may not be up to the same standard. However, it's more than adequate for basic watering needs. The typical consumer for an expandable hose has limited storage space, but their watering needs exceed that of a watering can. For example, you might want an expandable hose if you own a boat or RV, have lots of plants on your porch to water, or live in a small town home.
Many of the expandable hoses in our lineup, despite superficial differences, ended up performing and scoring similarly. You can safely buy almost any hose in our lineup, and get similar performance to those that won awards. Read on to find out why we prefer some models over others.
What's the Best Value?
Our entire lineup of expandable hoses scored within a very small range of values after our testing. The price difference between the most expensive and least expensive is also quite minimal. Although price doesn't impact a hoses score, we did factor it in when determining which hoses we recommend most.
The Pocket hose is an economical option that still performs well in a variety of ways.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Pocket Hose Silver Bullet offers great performance at a budget price. It is one of our top-scoring models and one of the most affordable options. For a few extra bucks, you can acquire a hose with nicer materials and features, such as the Flexi Hose with a valve and brass fittings, but the performance is similar across the two.
Extra features can often be worth the cost, like an integrated valve.
Credit: Hale Milano
Convenience
Hoses can be tedious to handle at best, and expandable hoses add a level of complexity given their coils or changing size. Our first metric tested how convenient and user-friendly each hose was. We put each hose through the paces; uncoiling them, screwing into different spigots, stretching and dragging through our yard, and coiling them up for storage. One of our most important tests was evaluating how well each hose shrunk back up, or re-coiled, to its original size after use. None of the coiled hoses shrunk back to their original contracted length on their own. We measured the contracted length before use.
When contracted, or unstretched, the coil hoses are significantly shorter than the expandable models. The shortest is the Automan Recoil EVA at just 2.3 feet. The Orbit Coil and Flexon CH5850 follow closely behind at 2.4 and 2.6 feet, respectively.
The Xhose reshrinks relatively well, shown here at 4x speed.
Credit: Hale Milano
The most impressive of expandable hoses shrink down small enough for easy storage, but expand well past that length for use. Some of the hoses we tested, namely the coil hoses, expand well over ten times their contracted size. Meanwhile, many of the expansion hoses expand a modest two to three times their stored length.
A lot of times, an expandable hose will not shrink back to its original length after the first use. The expansion type hoses seemed to have no problem contracting back to their original size. The coil hoses we tested, however, didn't ever seem to go back to their original lengths after the first time they were used.
Coil Hose Recoil Ability
Measured Contracted Length Before First Use
Measured Contracted Length After Use
Orbit Coil with ABS Threads
2.4 feet
5 feet
Flexon CH5850 Coil
2.6 feet
6 feet
Water Right Professional Coil
4.9 feet
11 feet
Automan Recoil EVA
2.3 feet
11 feet
The Flexi Hose is one of the best hoses at shrinking back to its original size, and it expands to 2.9 times its original length. Once you turn off the spigot and open the nozzle, the water pressure will dissipate for around a minute, and the hose slowly shrinks back to its baseline length. Both the Xhose and Pocket Hose perform similarly here. Additionally, both of these options are very flexible and lightweight, making them easy to pull around and use in your yard.
When contracted, expansion hoses are easy to coil up and store.
Water pressure expands the hose for use.
The difference between the empty Flexi (left) and full Flexi (right). Expansion-style hoses aren't actually stretchy when full; they simply expand with water pressure.
Another key factor to consider is the weight of the hose. It can be more difficult to haul a heavier hose around, especially if you have to lift it up to reach higher places. Most of the expandable hoses we tested are fairly similar in weight. The heaviest is the Flexon CH5850, which weighs 3.7 pounds, or about .7 pounds per foot.
Weight Table
Measured Weight
Measured Weight Per Foot
Pocket Hose Silver Bullet
1.8 lb
0.04 lb/ft
Flexi Hose
2.2 lb
0.04 lb/ft
Orbit Coil with ABS Threads
1.6 lb
0.03 lb/ft
AmazingForLess Expandable
1.4 lb
0.03 lb/ft
Xhose Pro
2.3 lb
0.05 lb/ft
Water Right Professional Coil
3.1 lb
0.06 lb/ft
Flex-Able Xtreme
1.4 lb
0.03 lb/ft
Lefree Expandable
1.9 lb
0.04 lb/ft
Flexon CH5850 Coil
3.7 lb
0.07 lb/ft
Automan Recoil EVA
1.5 lb
0.03 lb/ft
Most of these hoses were relatively convenient to use, but very few stood out from the crowd with must-have features. Across our lineup of hoses, three clearly led the pack because of their maneuverability and flexibility in use: the Flexi Hose, Xhose Pro, and Pocket Hose Silver Bullet.
Performance
Being easy to use is one thing, but that becomes meaningless if you're not able to accomplish your watering chores. We tested how well each hose performed, whether it leaked, kinked, or failed to spray water adequately. Since most expandable hoses aren't rigid, no hoses developed flat spots or kinks, a major plus. A few actively resisted kinking as well, like the AmazingForLess Expandable,Flex-Able Xtreme, and the Pocket Hose.
One of the highest-performing hoses in our lineup is the Orbit Coil. One of our favorite features of this coil hose is the outstanding spray performance and nozzle functions ideal for different watering scenarios, from misting delicate plants to shooting a jet stream of water 15 feet out. The connectors, despite being plastic, are easy to screw on. Also, this hose doesn't kink up at all during use, thanks to the coil design.
Outstanding spray performance and distinct nozzle settings on the Orbit make it excel at a variety of watering chores.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Pocket Hose was another top-performing model, but it didn't stand out for any particularly amazing features. Rather, it just does everything well across the board, minus the included nozzle. The nozzle broke the first time we used it. Still, if we evaluate the hose itself with a different nozzle, it performs well and has a great spray. Overall the Pocket Hose is easy to screw on, doesn't leak, and resists kinking.
The Pocket Hose is relatively easy to screw onto the spigot.
Credit: Hale Milano
We did find that the Automan Recoil EVA nozzle tends to loosen and twist in movement, causing it to leak. However, our lead tester said he really liked the spray modes on the nozzle, though it didn't have great distance on it. The Orbit Coil had a nozzle with eight different functions and really good spray performance. The hose also felt noticeably narrow in hand and gave great pressure.
Similar to our overall assessment of expandable hoses, most of the options in our lineup performed at a comparable level, and any one of them will likely work for your needs.
Construction Quality
Our next metric evaluated each hose on its construction quality. We based this evaluation on any flaws or defects noted during testing, any unusual wear and tear, and common user reviews found online. We exposed these hoses to the elements, leaving them out for a week in the East Coast summer, where they endured heat, humidity, rain, and direct sunlight.
The AmazingForLess, Lefree Expandable, Flexi, and Orbit were our top-scoring models in this metric. With each of these hoses, we noticed no issues around the durability or construction quality. These hoses also had the fewest number of concerning customer reviews online about issues related to quality or durability.
The Lefree held up with no flaws despite the use and abuse we put it through as we tugged, pulled and stretched it through our garden, trees, and rocks.
Credit: Hale Milano
There were two hoses that we noted didn't contract back after we stretched them to their full 50 feet, as though we exceeded the hose capabilities by stretching to their claimed length. The Water Right Professional Coil and Automan Recoil EVA seemed to lose their ability to contract back, making us wonder about the quality and durability. We had to push the coils back together to get them to go back to normal, but they didn't recoil on their own at all.
Overall, most of the expandable hoses didn't feel exceptionally durable, though only a few had direct quality concerns.
Variety of Options
The biggest stand out for sheer variety of options and features is the AmazingForLess Expandable hose. It is available in more length options than any other model in our lineup, ranging from 25 to 150 feet. It also includes a nozzle with seven different spray modes; though the performance of the nozzle is subpar. Still, if you want an expandable hose at a longer-than-average length, this is the only model in our test group that offers that.
The AmazingForLess hose is adequate for a variety of tasks, whether reaching just across your patio or all the way across the yard.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Lefree Expandable hose also comes in a variety of length options, ranging from 25 to 125 feet. Like other hoses in our lineup, it includes a nozzle, and this one has ten different spray settings that somehow all felt quite similar to our tester. The Lefree includes a valve and storage hook as well.
Though the Lefree nozzle has 10 different spray settings none of them perform exceptionally well, with errant sprays or leaks from the side.
Credit: Hale Milano
The last noteworthy option available in a few different lengths is the Xhose Pro. It's only available in four sizes ranging from 25 to 100 feet. Though it does include a valve, there was no included nozzle.
The valve on the Xhose can double as a nozzle, though if you open it all the way you'll rapidly lose water pressure and thus spray performance.
Credit: Hale Milano
Overall, expandable hoses tend to be somewhat limited in the variety of options. Most come in only one diameter option and a few lengths. We were pleased to note that many did include a valve or a nozzle. This is likely because for expandable hoses to work properly, water pressure needs to build up in the hose. We evaluated our lineup based on whether or not each model had these features and how many different options they were available in so that you could tailor your purchase to your specific needs.
How to Choose an Expandable Hose
How Much Storage Space do you Have?
One of the most important considerations when buying an expandable hose is how much space it saves when not in use. Most people looking for a hose that contracts are looking to save storage space. Where will you be storing your hose? How much space do you have for it?
Do You Need a Nozzle?
Most expansion hoses need some sort of nozzle to work properly. While many options come with a nozzle or valve, some do not. Some included nozzles are also less durable and may need to be replaced. Check to be sure you know what you're getting when picking out a hose. You may need to purchase a nozzle separately.
Expansion Hose or Coil Hose?
Expansion hoses work using water pressure. When the water is turned off, they contract down. When filled with water pressure, they expand outward. Coil hoses are shaped like a spring. When in use, they can be stretched out, and then the coils can be pushed closer together when not in use to save space. In general, expansion hoses can prove to be easier to maneuver. Meanwhile, a coil hose tends to shrink down more when not in use, but some coil hoses can prove to be quite stiff and difficult to stretch to their full length. We found a coil hose is best for use close to the spigot, while an expansion hose is best if you have to stretch it further.
Conclusion
Expandable hoses fill a niche need in the hose market; they are ideal for people who are short on storage space but still need a hose versus a watering can. Relying on a shrinking or coiled design, these hoses focus on their ability to contract in size when not in use over other hose features. We think that any of the hoses in our lineup would be suitable for most people, but hopefully, our review can help you identify which might be best for your specific needs.
There's a variety of expansion and other types of expandable hoses to choose from, finding one you like best is a matter of what you'll use it for and individual preference.
