Nothing beats the fun you’ll have during a family basketball game in the driveway. Having a hoop right at home makes it easy to start up a match at any time. Whether you’re looking to take your basketball skills to the next level or you just want to play a friendly game of HORSE with your friends and family, it pays to know your options for the best basketball hoops before you go out and buy.
Playing sports like basketball can be super beneficial to kids. According to researchers at the Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, playing multidirectional sports such as basketball is better for building strong bones in kids than other unidirectional sports such as track or cross country. These findings are in line with other studies that suggest kids should play a multitude of sports in order to support their growing bodies.
Of course, playing basketball and other team sports as a kid has benefits beyond just bone growth. Another recent study found that kids who play team sports such as basketball and football are less likely to suffer from mental health problems. Likewise, kids who play individual sports such as golf and tennis are more likely to suffer from mental health issues than kids who don’t play sports at all. That sounds like a great reason to get outside and practice your basketball skills with your kids.
So, which basketball hoops are the best for your outdoor space? StudyFinds did the digging, consulting 10 sports and outdoor sites in an effort to bring you a consensus list of the best basketball hoops. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed basketball hoops from across these sites. Think our expert sites missed one of the top hoops? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best Basketball Hoops, According to Reviews
1. Goalrilla FT72 Basketball Hoop
The top spot on the list of the best basketball hoops belongs to the Goalrilla FT72 Basketball Hoop. This hoop from Goalrilla is one of the nicest outdoor goals you’ll find, and it’s sure to help you take your game to the next level.
“For a basketball hoop that will be the envy of the neighborhood — and a magnet for kids seeking pickup games — check out the Goalrilla FT72. Goalrilla’s in-ground FT series of hoops is as good as it gets for driveway basketball games. They come in a choice of 54″, 60″ and 72″, ranging in price from roughly $1,600 to $2,400. Every Goalrilla FT hoop features powder-coated steel frames and 1/2″ thick tempered glass backboards, and they all come with a 9″ anchor system and heavy-duty breakaway rims similar to those used at the highest level of competition. The rim height is adjustable too,” explains Money.
With a name like Goalrilla, you know these have to be some of the best hoops available. “Goalrilla is a serious in-ground basketball hoop brand made for serious basketball players. These in-ground hoops are made with top-of-the-line materials and demand a high price. Goalrilla’s newest in-ground basketball system, the Goalrilla FT, continues this strong reputation and adds some new features to set the FT apart from some of the past models from Goalrilla,” writes Best Basketball Hoops.
Goalrilla prides itself on creating hoops made from the highest quality materials. This is the type of basketball hoop that you’d expect to find in an NBA player’s outdoor practice space.
“For serious ballers (with space, approval from the HOA, and patience for installation), we recommend this Goalrilla FT72 in-ground hoop. With a concrete-cured anchor, a 72-inch tempered glass backboard, and an anodized steel pole, this hoop plays almost identically to an NBA regulation hoop. You’ll be able to make more bank shots or hard layups, and you can slam dunk with real force. If you want to dunk more or play with little ones, the hoop can be adjusted between 7.5 and 10 feet in height. The best spot to install the FT72 is on a lawn right up against concrete,” furthers Rolling Stone.
2. Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop
Next up on the list of the best basketball hoops is the Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop. This hoop offers everything you’re looking for in an outdoor driveway basketball hoop.
“With a wheelbarrow lift and roll design, transportation is a breeze. This system features a 54-inch backboard with a steel frame and a breakaway rim. The height can be easily adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet using the all-steel actuator, and the base can be filled with sand or water for added stability. Assembly is smooth sailing with less than a 90-minute install time,” writes Clutch Points.
At right around 90 minutes, the Silverback NXT’s install time is one of the lowest you’ll find. And, as the experts explain, you get the benefits of an in-ground hoop with the flexibility of a portable one.
“If you want the look and feel of an in-ground system with the flexibility of a portable one, we recommend the Silverback NXT. A pro-flex rim and an extremely stable base allow you to practice your moves indoors or out. A durable, polycarbonate backboard provides arena-style performance and clear views as you play,” adds Verywell Fit.
Overhang is the distance between the backboard and the post, and this hoop features the perfect amount. NBA hoops have a maximum overhang so the players aren’t constantly crashing into the metal post, so it’s important for safety and style of play.
“The Silverback is a great example of thoughtful engineering – the frame is very stable, the hoop doesn’t rattle at every shot and the 26-inch overhang gives you a lot of space under the backboard. The adjustment system is easy to use and allows you to change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments,” furthers The Hoops Geek.
3. Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Basketball Hoop
The third spot on the list of the best basketball hoops belongs to one of the biggest names in sports – the Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Basketball Hoop. This hoop checks all the boxes and it’s a great little outdoor hoop for a fun time in the driveway.
“The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop consistently ranks among the best when it comes to delivering a superior at-home basketball experience. Suitable for casual players and dedicated athletes alike, this hoop system brings the excitement and rigor of the game right to your driveway or backyard,” writes HoopsBeast.
The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Portable is a really great hoop for young teenagers looking to take their skills to the next level. The acrylic backboard and breakaway rim make it a great choice for anyone who wants to lower the rim and practice their dunks.
“For most driveways and yards, this Spalding Ultimate Hybrid hoop is a great choice. It boasts a steel frame, a wide 60-inch acrylic backboard, and an Arena Slam breakaway rim that all combine for sturdy, easy play. The hoop can also be moved; once it’s in place, the base can be filled with 19 gallons of water and four 50-pound bags of sand for serious stability. You can also lower the hoop from 10 feet to as low as 7.5 feet for kids or adults who want to feel like NBA players,” furthers Rolling Stone.
Anyone who was lucky enough to have an adjustable basketball hoop growing up knows what it feels like to lower it and start dunking like an NBA player. However, one of the most underrated aspects of most driveway hoops is the net and the quality of the net. We’re all looking for that thrilling “swish” sound. The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid comes with an ideal net right out of the box.
“Wanting a portable hoop with a flexible fill base setup? If the answer to that question is yes, then take a look at the Spalding Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop… Thankfully, this net is neither too long nor too thick. Perfect shots go through without resistance and provide that satisfying swish sound that I love,” adds Best Basketball Hoops.
4. Lifetime Pro Court Portable Basketball System
Swishing into the fourth spot on the list of the best basketball hoops is the Lifetime Pro Court Portable Basketball System. This basketball hoop is a durable, portable, and aesthetically pleasing basketball hoop that will have all the neighborhood kids jumping to play a game of hoops.
“The Lifetime Pro Court hoop is a high-quality basketball hoop designed for both indoor and outdoor use, especially looking for an option that is super mobile. It has a durable 44-inch backboard that is made of shatterproof polycarbonate, which makes it resistant to cracks and dents. The backboard graphics/square are made with UV-protected screen printed ink to avoid sun fading from being outside. The rim is made of solid steel and has a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for smooth and easy dunking,” writes Clutch Points.
The polycarbonate backboard makes this basketball hoop extremely sturdy and ideal for outdoor use. However, the best part for most parents is this basketball hoop is an affordable option.
“If you are looking to buy the first height-adjustable basketball hoop for your kids, and you don’t want to spend a fortune, the Lifetime Pro Court is a great choice. Very light and portable, the height is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and the material is durable enough to withstand rain and wind for years. The assembly of the Lifetime Pro Court is relatively easy and shouldn’t take you longer than two hours,” adds The Hoops Geek.
The Lifetime Pro Court Basketball System is easy to set up, affordable, and durable – it’s everything you’re looking for in a home basketball hoop. And you’ll appreciate the shatterproof backboard, too.
“Our experience with the Lifetime Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System has been nothing short of enjoyable. This portable hoop is actually almost identical to the Lifetime 90040 mentioned above, but switches out the basic 44″ Impact backboard with the slightly improved 44″ Shatterproof Fusion backboard,” furthers HoopsBeast.
5. Spalding The Beast Basketball Hoop
The fifth spot on the list of the best basketball hoops once again belongs to Spalding, this time it’s the Spalding Beast Basketball Hoop. If you’re looking for a high-end hoop that looks like it came straight out of a high-profile player’s driveway, then look no further.
“The Spalding The Beast 60″ Tempered Glass Portable Basketball Hoop is a hefty option for those who want a better-quality hoop with the convenience of portability. The 60″ tempered glass backboard provides excellent rebound and is backed by a sturdy steel frame. The hoop can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet in height using a screw jack lift system, while the Pro Image breakaway rim can handle aggressive play and dunking. The base also features built-in wheels for transportation and allows filling with sand or water for extra stability,” explains Clutch Points.
For the record, filling your base with sand is more of a permanent solution while water makes it easy to empty the base and move your goal around. So, choose your hoop’s base filling wisely, basketball friends.
“What can be said about the Spalding Beast Basketball Hoop that hasn’t been already? Everything you need to know about this system is in the name. It truly is a ‘beast’. This system comes with a tempered glass backboard that is 60 inches wide and 36 inches high. There is an aluminum trim that encases the glass backboard and offers additional stability to the system. For those interested, you can also find a 54-inch backboard version at Spalding,” adds Best Basketball Hoops.
The aluminum trim that encases the backboard also gives this basketball hoop a sleek, polished look. Aesthetics aside, this Spalding hoop offers excellent stability with all of the convenience of a portable basketball hoop.
“The Beast Glass Portable Basketball Hoop has the same stability as an in-ground hoop, but with the added convenience of a wheeled base. The 54” glass blackboard provides the same genuine rebound as a professional court. It boasts of a durable steel rim that can withstand ferocious dunks and drives, and you can vary the height of the rim from 7.5 feet to the league-required 10,” writes Interbasket.
6. Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
Next up on the list of the best basketball hoops is yet another model from Silverback, this time it’s the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop. By this point, we’ve established that Silverback and Goalrilla make some of the highest-quality, most professional-looking home basketball hoops available on the market, and this in-ground option is a big reason for the company’s success.
“The best in-ground basketball hoop, the Silverback is one of our favorites in the best basketball hoops for the driveway. It combines a tempered glass backboard and powder-coated steel pole for gymnasium-style performance. This basketball hoop features a ground-breaking anchor bolt mounting technology that allows you to unbolt and relocate your system if you need to move the system for whatever reason,” explains Interbasket.
An in-ground basketball hoop is definitely more of a permanent solution, so before you buy, you’ll want to be sure that this is the right type of goal for your home and outdoor space. Be prepared to take on a bit of an outdoor project with this goal, though.
“Those looking for a more permanent solution to their B-ball needs might want to look at this impressive model from Silverback. There’s no need to worry about a wall mount for this basketball hoop, but you will have to work a little to make sure that its steel frame is properly set in the ground. This in-ground basketball hoop has a shatterproof tempered-glass backboard and a flexible breakaway rim, mounted securely on a powder-coated steel pole. The anchor mounting and adjustable height of this hoop’s pole are factors that make it a great permanent option with some flexibility,” writes USA Today.
The Silverback In-Ground also features a greater overhang distance than most of the other hoops on the market. “Personally, I really appreciate the significant backboard padding that comes with this hoop. This helps protect players when they are driving to the hole. There is also a 30″ offset from the backboard to the pole, which enhances safety alongside the padding. I’d recommend getting three adults together to assemble this hoop or hiring a professional installer,” adds Best Basketball Hoops.
7. Spalding 54-inch NBA Hoop
Rounding out the list of the best basketball hoops is the Spalding 54-inch NBA Hoop. This basketball hoop is extremely affordable and works great for both the casual player and serious hooper.
“This hoop does the trick for casual shooting around and the occasional two-on-two game. It’s more stable and provides a more comfortable playing area than most other cheap basketball hoops designed for the driveway — which usually feature a vertical pole that players inevitably bump into and is prone to wobbling,” writes Money.
If you have kids interested in basketball but aren’t quite developed enough to make the school basketball team, then consider this Spalding NBA Portable hoop. The NBA logo on the backboard gives this hoop an authentic feel while the construction of the hoop makes it great for practicing.
“A wonderful mid-tier portable basketball hoop, the Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System is great for those developing their game. Finding its place between the Pro Slam and the Beast, the NBA Portable System from Spalding has a lot of features for the money. The main difference between the Spalding NBA and the Spalding Beast is the size and quality of the components that make up each hoop,” adds Best Basketball Hoops.
This basketball hoop also features a breakaway rim and an adjustable backboard, making it excellent for kids who want to lower the goal and practice their dunking skills. Add in the portability of this basketball hoop and you have yourself a quality goal that the entire family will enjoy.
“A robust polycarbonate backboard, arena-style cushioning, and a steel breakaway rim are included in this hoop set. With the Exactaheight lift mechanism, you can adjust from 7.5 feet to the statutory 10 feet, allowing players of all ages to work on their game. A 34-gallon base with two wheels provides stability to this portable setup, allowing you to take the game with you wherever you go,” furthers Interbasket.
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Sources:
- Money
- USA Today Reviewed
- Rolling Stone
- The Hoops Geek
- Best Basketball Hoops
- Verywell Fit
- Clutch Points
- Hoopsbeast
- Interbasket
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Surprisingly i’ve had 2 out of the 3 top hoops on this list. One of them was a huge pain to move and the board sounded like a drum. Awful overall. I can’t believe how this list is rated so I wouldn’t suggest to any of my friends. I hope this gets published on this page.