We researched the top soaker hoses available, evaluating them for ease of setup, hose durability, and overall effectiveness. The H2O Works Garden Flat Soaker Hose, which The Spruce tested in our Des Moines Lab, was on top for its design, ease of use, and durability. Here are the best soaker hoses for your garden. Its bright blue color might seem off-putting, but we like that you’d be able to easily locate and move this soaker hose in the dark. You can also cover it with mulch or soil, and it should still work just as well. The manufacturer claims you can use this product in wide temperature extremes, from -4 degrees F to 140 degrees F. This hose worked well during testing on a typically hot, humid afternoon, similar to when you’d most likely use this product. While we didn’t notice kinking when the water was flowing, we did see it when we hung the hose on a standard hook; apparently, that is not the best way to store a flat soaker hose, since we also noted kinking on similar products we stored this way. Price at time of publish: $25 The moderate 50-foot length is long enough to snake through even the most complex of gardens. Its desirable black appearance means you can hide it under mulch and not have to drag it in and out of storage. Soaker hoses are all about efficiency, and we believe this one meets that standard across the board, for a lower price than most. Price at time of publish: $13 Though this flat type of hose may kink when you try to follow the corner of a flower bed, at this low price you can consider buying multiple hoses to accommodate yards with unique orientations. Price at time of publish: $19
This combo soaker/sprinkler snaps open and closed for convenient and compact storage and avoids needing to struggle with an unraveling hose every time you try to roll it. We recommend placing this hose at the edge of your lawn; this way, you can flip the holes down into the soil for 30 minutes of soaking, then flip them back into the grass for sprinkling and camouflaged storage. One downside to this combo product is that the drip rate is higher than most soaker hoses, even when faced down. Be mindful of your timing so you don’t overdo it on the roots. Also, the bright green coloring may be off-putting to some. Price at time of publish: $29 The manufacturer claims that this hose delivers from .5 gallon to 1 gallon of water per foot, supposedly reducing water usage by 70 percent versus a standard hose. This low-effort watering solution keeps your plants healthy and lush for an affordable price. Price at time of publish: $50 We like this 75-foot soaker hose for more commercial-style gardens such as long hedges or tree rows, since it kinks if you try to bend it around a corner. At this reasonable price point, you can buy a hose to run the length of each row. You don’t have to worry about drowning the area, as this soaker hose has a slow leak and minimizes excess run-off. Price at time of publish: $16 We like that this soaker hose comes with detailed usage instructions, as well as a soaker hose watering rate chart. Even the most novice users should be able to adjust the flow rate to optimize watering efficiency and make sure plant roots get just what they need to thrive. Cover this soaker hose with mulch, and don’t worry about clogging the water pores; it’s designed to withstand soil coverage. Price at time of publish: $40
The manufacturer says the product’s PVC material makes for more even water distribution on both ends of the hose and is superior in that respect to the recycled rubber used in many products. We believe this also allows the hose to be used in a greater range of temperatures (product recommendation is -4 degrees F to 140 degrees F). The manufacturer also claims this hose has a faster water release rate than similar products: 1 gallon per minute at regular 60 PSI. We caution that under too-high pressure, this could result in overwatering, and higher water bills. Price at time of publish: $37 This soaker hose thrives in a low-pressure system, and the manufacturer claims it uses 70 percent less water than a conventional system This means your rain barrel should be a sufficient source of hydration for your plants. The low flow rate also reduces water evaporation of the tube to further minimize waste and maximize the uptake from your plants’ roots. On the downside, we have noted some reports of flimsy end caps, which may produce leaks. However, the manufacturer offers a seven-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $60 (two-pack) This soaker hose has a nice, soil-like brown color and doesn’t leave you with an eyesore in your garden all year round. Since it is a round hose, it can bend around your vegetable crops and snake through even the smallest of raised box gardens. You can buy this product in three sizes: 25, 50, and 100 feet, but even the smallest option is somewhat pricey compared with other products. Also, we reserve judgments on the manufacturer’s claims that the product’s industrial spring end guards minimize kinks, and that chrome-plated brass fittings eliminate leaks. Price at time of publish: $55 to $160
Also consider . . .
Water Right SKR-050-MU Soaker Garden Hose: While this made-in-Oregon 50-foot soaker hose was one of the lightest products we tested in our Des Moines Lab—we found it easy to drag around—and it threaded on our test spigot very easily, we were ambivalent about several things. One tester thought Its “bristle grass” color, which adds a neutral touch to your garden, contrasted poorly with the underlying greenery. Also, we couldn’t confirm the manufacturer’s claim that you get a completely even drip rate from end to end (but other users have attested to this). We tested this hose during the summer, so we couldn’t verify the manufacturer’s claim that it holds up in harsh conditions and maintains its flexibility, even in freezing temperatures. Water Right’s products have been featured in a number of media, and customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. So it’s not out of the question that the $110 you spend for this product could be a good investment. If you go with a long hose in a small space, you get too much water concentrated around your plants, which can be more harmful than helpful. Measure the distance in your garden that needs soaking before you make your decision. Most shorter hoses can be joined to create longer hoses, so don’t worry too much about the future—your hose can grow with your garden. However, notes, Gillette, “a junction is an opportunity for leaks to develop and may not work as efficiently.”
Diameter
Soaker hoses come in many different diameters. The larger the diameter, the less friction for the water running through the hose, which means it moves faster. Larger-diameter soaker hoses get water to the end of the hose quicker, so if you’re trying to water a large garden with an extra-long hose, one with a larger diameter can save you some time each session. Smaller-diameter water hoses may be easier to camouflage in your garden, especially in narrow flower beds.
Water Flow (Single Flow or Adjustable Flow)
Equal water distribution is the key to a healthy garden, so water flow is an important component of a soaker hose. Single-flow soaker hoses are good options if you’re just looking for an easy-to-use watering system. We like adjustable soaker hoses because you can target the exact flow rate you need to ensure that the water seeps out of the hose at the most desirable rate. If the flow is too low, the water might not get to the end of the hose. Too high, and you may get a spray instead of a dribble; also, some hoses may develop leaks under high pressure.
Material
Soaker hoses aren’t all made from the same material. We like soaker hoses certified lead-free; manufacturers claim those products meet safe drinking water standards and don’t contaminate your vegetable garden. Materials resistant to UV increase durability and prolong the life of your soaker hose. Look for a vinyl or PVC option if you want longevity, or recycled plastic if you prefer to be eco-friendly.
Shape
Choosing between a flat or round soaker hose depends on the size and shape of your garden. If you have curvy flower beds, it is best to go with a round soaker hose, as flat ones may kink when you turn them around corners. Flat soaker hoses are ideal for straight garden rows, such as large vegetable gardens.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Deanna McCormack has been testing and reviewing home items for the Spruce since 2017. To come up with this list of best soaker hoses, she spent hours researching options and selected the winners based on water flow, material, length, and durability. She is a homeowner, avid gardener, and outdoor enthusiast. For additional insight, we also spoke with Barbara Gillette, a Master Gardener and a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
