Are you looking for the best portable basketball hoop? You have come to the right place! There are so many reviews out there and so many options for the best portable basketball hoops that it can seem overwhelming. As an experienced buyer, I’m here to make it a whole lot easier for you and your family.
I went shopping for the best portable basketball hoop for my family, and it took way too long to compare all of them. I scoured the internet, went to stores and asked friends for suggestions until we finally made a decision. It took quite a long time and we know how much hassle that brings. I do not want the same experience for you which is why I created this really easy guide on how to find the best portable basketball hoop for you. I used my own research and took out all the guesswork so all you have to do is consider what you are interested in and what is important to you when shopping for a portable basketball hoop and then pick the one that is right for you!
Having a portable basketball hoop has many benefits. Is it going to be a harsh winter? Why keep it exposed and let it get weather-beaten when you can just roll it in the garage for a while until the weathers improved. What if you’re having a big get together and the driveway just isn’t a good place for it anymore? All the kids are over and want to play, now you can move it to the street where there’s so much more space! There are many more benefits to having a portable basketball hoop to list.
Don’t stress because all the work and research has already been done for you! Check out this detailed list of the best portable basketball hoops in 2019 and get ready for endless fun and competition with your family and friends.
How To Choose The Best Portable Basketball Hoop
There are a lot of things to consider when searching for the best portable basketball hoop for your home. It would be a shame to spend your hard-earned money and find that the portable hoop you chose is not the best fit for you or your family. When you begin your hunt for the best portable basketball hoop there are some things you might not consider when searching for it. Here are some things to look for before you choose your hoop!
Backboard
The backboard is a very important feature to consider when choosing your portable basketball hoop. What size do I want? How strong will it be? Will it hold up to harsh weather? The best backboard is going to depend on your circumstances and needs. Below is a variety of backboard differences to look out for!
Backboard Material
Your backboard material depends on your budget and how serious you are about playing! Is your child looking to step up their game? Or are you just looking for some backyard fun? Here are the materials you’ll find on the market.
- Polyethylene: This is what you’ll typically find on more affordable portable basketball hoops. It’s great for beginners, but more experienced players will find it limiting. Balls that hit the backboard are virtually absorbed by the polyethylene and don’t result in realistic rebounds or accurate bank shots. They will also shake and rattle upon impact, further limiting your shot. But if you’re just looking for something for casual fun, or for your younger children, there’s nothing wrong with this option!
- Acrylic: These backboards offer much more realistic bounce and are very durable. You’ll notice much-improved playability when using this backboard. Acrylic backboards also resemble pro hoops in their looks! They’re see-through and will add a more stylish hoop to your home!
- Polycarbonate: These backboards are very similar to acrylic, but are just a bit stronger. Rebounds and bank shots will essentially perform the same as acrylic, but they just hold up a tad better over time. I wouldn’t let this be a determining factor when shopping, because portable hoops with either polycarbonate or acrylic backboards generally fall within the same price bracket.
- Tempered Glass: This is by far the best backboard option for your portable basketball hoop. Tempered glass is what’s used in the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and in all other professional leagues. The bounce off the backboard is genuine and will make practicing at home a lot easier. This is the best option for serious players and competitive families looking for a professional portable basketball hoop in their backyard! They are expensive, however, so consider this when shopping.
Backboard Size
Like the backboard material, the size of your backboard also depends on your budget and needs. Professional backboards measure at 72 inches wide, but you’re hard-pressed to find a portable hoop with those dimensions on the market. Here are the various sizes you will see when shopping! The smallest backboard you’ll generally see for portable basketball hoops is from 43-48 inches.
These backboards are very small and are more reserved for children and families just looking for some fun. Practicing layups and bank shots might be difficult.
The next size you’ll see is 50 inches. Portable hoops with this size backboard are still pretty affordable, but just add a few more inches for you to bank your shot in. 54-inch backboards are the most common size for higher-level hoops and are perfect for competitive play. The biggest backboard you’ll find on the market for a portable basketball hoop is 60 inches. These are generally made with tempered glass and are designed for more serious players. You’ll find these on elite level portable basketball hoops.
Rim
For nearly all portable basketball hoops, the rim will be 18 inches in diameter. That’s the standard rim size, so unless you’re shopping for a child’s hoop, this is the size you’ll see on the market. But there is a difference in rim quality, and how they’re attached to the backboard. Below are the most common you’ll see during your search.
Breakaway basketball rims are the best rims available. Unlike standard rims they have compression springs that can soften the bounce of your shots, making for better shot-making opportunities. You’ll see these on more quality portable basketball hoops. These are the rims you’ll find on more advanced levels of play, like highschool, college, and professional leagues. They’re designed to take more abuse and can 100% withstand would be dunkers. While breakaway rims are more expensive, they are definitely safer and add a more realistic feel to the game.
Base
When it comes to portable basketball hoops, the base is one of the most important parts of it. All bases can be filled with either sandbags or water, ranging from 27-gallon tanks on beginner level hoops to 55 gallons on more professional options. Of course the heavier the base, the harder it is to move, but it’s worth it. No one wants their hoop tipping over. The Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop is one of the more portable hoops on the market!
Transporting it is much like the action of wheeling a wheelbarrow. It’s slope based design makes it easy for 2 people to do so. If you live in a place where winters get cold you should consider adding Base Gel to your portable hoop. It can absorb up to 400 times its weight in water and can be a worthy alternative to sand. It creates a strong and stable gel that protects the plastic base from cracking when water freezes inside.
Support Pole
The support pole is another important thing to consider when shopping for your portable basketball hoop. Nearly all poles on the market are adjustable in height ranging from 7.5 feet to the standard 10 feet, making it easier for all levels of play. But some hoops are easier to adjust than others, less expensive systems are more difficult and use a knob to change the height in 6-inch increments. Power lift units and screw jack adjustment systems are a lot easier to adjust and you can pick any height within the hoops range. You’ll find these on more expensive hoops.
Portable hoops with three-piece pole constructions tend to be shakier, and are generally found on entry-level hoops. If you want a more sturdy pole, look for hoops that are constructed using a two-pole system, but these tend to be a little more pricey. The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr Portable Basketball Hoop comes with a pole pad, providing extra safety for when games competitive. They can be purchased separately for virtually all portable basketball hoops on this list.
10 Best Portable Basketball Hoops For All Budgets 2019
1.Lifetime 90040 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
The Lifetime 90040 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System is perfect for first time buyers with children. It’s adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and has a 44-inch backboard! The backboard is made of high-density polyethylene, which is resistant to chipping and cracking. It also has a sporty basketball decal, children will find appealing! The supporting base is 27 gallons and can be filled with either water or sand for strength and stability. While it is stable, it is not suitable for hanging on the rim or hard dunks, as it is not built for intense activity. The net provided is durable and can withstand all types of weather.
The instructions are easy to follow and it takes roughly 2 hours for 2 people to assemble this portable basketball hoop! If you’re looking to have some backyard fun and get your kids away from their video games and phones, this is a great entry-level portable basketball hoop!
2. Giantex 10FT Portable Basketball Hoop Adjustable Height 43’’ Backboard Indoor/Outdoor
The Giantex 10ft Portable Basketball Hoop is a great option for first-time buyers with younger children who are interested in playing!
This option is adjustable from 6ft 6 inches in height to the standard 10ft making it one of the best portable basketball hoop options for families of all ages. The backboard is 43-inches across and is 20.5-inches tall. It sports a black rim with a standard 18-inch diameter. The net that comes with the portable basketball hoop is fairly colorful, but if that’s not for you, you can always replace it!
The Giantex portable basketball hoop can hold either 66 pounds of water or 88 pounds of sand which is significantly less than more professional portable basketball hoops, making this option best for younger children. It’s important to note that this portable basketball hoop is not designed for players to dunk and hang on the rim as it could cause serious injury. It’s just not sturdy enough.
3. Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop with 44in Impact Backboard
This Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop is another great option for first-time buyers. It’s a little more expensive than the Giantix 10ft portable hoop, but still very affordable! If you are looking for a great starter choice, this may be the best portable basketball hoop for you.
One thing that is noticeably better is a noticeable upgrade is a shatterproof backboard! It’s extremely durable and can withstand even the most vicious brick shots and the backboard is constructed of high-density Polyethylene. This is one of the more visually pleasing portable basketball hoops as well with it mimicking pro basketball hoops sporting a see-through backboard. Another cool feature is the fade-resistant graphics on the backboard giving it a stylish look! It comes in three different colors as well! Red/white (pictured) Navy Blue, and Gray. The navy blue and gray options do come at an extra cost.
The Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10ft using the telescoping height adjustment mechanism. You do unfortunately need two people to adjust the height and it can be a pain. Know this before purchasing if you are looking for the best portable basketball hoop that can be adjusted by just one person. The bright side is that the 3-Piece steel pole is all-weather resistant, making it essentially a year-round outdoor portable basketball hoop. Of course, it can be used indoor as well! Assembling the hoop initially can be carried out by one person and it shouldn’t take more than a few hours!
The base can be filled with either water or sand, and while water is easier to come by sand may be a better option if you live in a cold-weather state. If the water freezes inside of the base It could compromise the plastic.
4. Lifetime 1529 Courtside Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 50 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
If you’re looking for a portable basketball hoop that’s a little more sturdy and can withstand ferocious dunks The Lifetime 1529 Courtside Portable Basketball hoop is a great option! It’s the best portable basketball hoop with high durability for the best price! The Orange Slam-It Rim is extremely strong! It has double compression springs providing spring back action, allowing it to absorb tons of force from would-be dunkers!
This portable basketball hoop also features a 50-inch backboard! The biggest backboard on this list so far. Making it easier for everyone to practice their bank shots. It’s extremely strong as well as it is virtually shatterproof! Its made of polycarbonate, which is 200 times stronger than polyethylene! Another great feature is the blow-molded frame pad at the bottom of the backboard to prevent serious injury to one’s head should they get that high!
The Lifetime 1529 Courtside Portable Basketball hoop is adjustable from 8 to 10 feet, and it’s easy to do so! The Speed Shift height mechanism offers an easy one-hand height adjustment, you can simply walk behind the hoop and adjust it to your desired height! It raises in 6-inch increments. This portable basketball hoop has a 31-gallon base that can be filled easily with water or sand and can be rolled easily on its wheels to your specified location! Last but not least it’s extremely weather-resistant, It can handle all weather conditions. Rain, snow, heat, you name it! This is the best portable basketball hoop for a good price!
5. Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr Portable Basketball System
The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr Portable Basketball Hoop is a great choice for more competitive teens and families! It has options for three different backboard sizes. 44 inches, 48 inches, and 50 inches. The backboard is acrylic which means bank shots can be practiced easier and rebounds will be faster. Its bounciness and durability is definitely an upgrade over entry-level portable basketball hoops. Just like the previous hoop, it also has an NBA style pad underneath the backboard for extra protection!
The Spalding Ultimate Hybrid Jr Portable Basketball Hoop can be raised from 8 feet to the standard 10-foot height. It raises in 6-inch increments, so it’s easy to go back and forth between heights for different levels of play!
A great feature of this portable basketball hoop is the pole pad! Just like in the NBA, It adds extra protection and isn’t something typically seen on hoops at this level. It can definitely come in handy when games get really competitive! It takes most people around 3 hours to assemble, but I assure you it’s more than worth it!
6. Lifetime 54 Inch Acrylic Portable Basketball Hoop
The Lifetime 54 Inch Acrylic Portable Basketball Hoop is another great option for more competitive players and families! The backboard is large and very strong, it’s framed by heavy-duty steel, and has a Y extension arms, providing extra support and strength. The Slam-It Pro rim is strong as well! It’s built with solid steel and has double-compression springs. This makes it one of the best portable basketball hoops for aggressive play! So basically, you can dunk as hard as you want! Let the dunk contests begin!
This portable basketball hoop is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and the Power Lift unit makes it easy to do so! Players of all ages can easily adjust the height to his or her liking. The pole is assembled in 3 pieces and is held in place by a 35 gallon base with wheels which is easily filled with water or sand. From start to finish, assembly will take a good amount of time, roughly 3 hours. But you’ll forget that ever happened once you start playing!
7. Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop
The Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop is one of the best portable basketball hoops available at a mid-level price range! One of its best features is the Infinity Edge Backboard. What makes this backboard unique is that its strong polycarbonate material is wrapped completely around to the back of the backboard, unlike most backboards that are framed by a plastic or metal edge. Why is this better though? This gives the Silverback NXT Infinity Edge Backboard tons of strength and virtually eliminates dead spots in the backboard allowing for consistent bank shot and rebounding opportunities. It can be purchased with either a 50 or 54-inch backboard. The height can be easily adjusted between 7.5 feet and the regulation height of 10 feet.
This is an extremely strong and durable hoop as well! The Silverback NXT features Stabili-Frame technology. The pole has a slanted design that provides even weight distribution across the entire base of the hoop. The pole connects with the steel frame below the base, enhancing the overall strength. This hoop is guaranteed to stay upright! Most lower price ranged portable basketball hoops use blow molded bases as the support and they’re typically the first thing to fail. The Stabili- Frame technology provides extra safety and ensures peace of mind as you’re playing!
I’d say the best feature of this portable basketball hoop is how easy it is to transport! Moving the hoop to a new location is much like using a wheelbarrow! The Silverback NXT’s sloped base design distributes the weight of the hoop evenly and allows the hoop to be moved by two people. Its wheels support much of the weight and it has a kickstand to prevent it from tipping over. Another great thing about this portable basketball hoop is how fast it is to build! It only takes about 90 minutes for most customers to set it up!
The Silverback NXT’s strength, portability, and fast set up make this one of the best portable basketball hoops on the market!
8. Spalding NBA Hybrid Portable Basketball System
If you’re looking for a more professional looking hoop, the Spalding NBA Hybrid Portable Basketball Hoop is for you! This backboard is acrylic as well and comes in two sizes, 54 inches or a whopping 60 inches! Both rebound very well and include arena-style padding underneath. The ultimate hybrid base is very sturdy, and can hold up to 19 gallons of water or 200 pounds of sand! And what’s awesome about this system is how easy it is to store it all. Just simply lift the removable lid, and place the sandbags in!
Like most portable hoops, it’s adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. One thing that stands about this hoop is how the base is designed, It has a slightly angled pole, and that allows for a pretty nifty rebounder to be built into it! So shots made from straight on have a much higher chance of rolling back to you, making practicing by yourself a lot easier!
If you opt to build the hoop on your own, make sure to have an extra set of hands and prepare for about 3-4 hours of building. Overall, this is a great portable basketball hoop for competitive families and for those who are really looking to improve their game! You really can’t go wrong with this one!
9. Spalding Pro-Tek Basketball System
If you’re looking for a more professional NBA hoop the Spalding Pro-Tek Portable Basketball Hoop is perfect! This is the first portable hoop on this list with a tempered glass backboard! What does that mean exactly? It means, that you’re getting the exact material NBA backboards are made out of! Rebounds and bank shots will be as realistic as it gets! The bounce is real! The backboard is 54 inches in width, has a safety pad underneath it as well.
This is a very nice looking hoop! It’s sure to draw eyes and probably have the neighborhood kids wanting to play! While it is nice looking it is also very big and sturdy! The base holds 40 gallons of water or sand and can be hard to move once it’s filled, so make sure you have it where you want it before you fill it up! Don’t let that discourage you though, it’s an incredible addition to your home!
The Spalding Pro-Tek portable basketball hoop is adjustable in height for all ages and skill levels and can be adjusted by young children as well. The rim is as strong as it gets and can take hard dunks easily! This portable basketball hoop is perfect for more serious players who are looking to work on their craft, or families who just want to have a better quality hoop for fun and games!
10. Spalding The Beast Portable Basketball Hoop – 60″ Glass Backboard
This Spalding portable basketball hoop sure does live up to its name…it is indeed a beast!! By far the most professional hoop on this list. The Spalding Beast Portable Basketball Hoop has a huge 60-inch backboard made with tempered glass just like the pro’s use! It’s incredible quality and you’ll definitely notice the difference when it comes to rebounding and bank shots. The Steel Pro-Image breakaway rim is as good as it gets and can easily handle would be dunkers!
This incredible portable basketball hoop is supported by a large 55-gallon base and a two-piece 5-inch square pole, making it just as strong as an in-ground pole system! So you have nothing to worry about when it comes to stability and safety! What makes this hoop stand out is despite its massive size it’s easy to move around! The base has 4 wheels so you don’t have to lift and tilt the hoop as you transport it. It also has a fold-out handle to make it even easier! It’s very convenient!
Don’t worry, this Spalding portable basketball hoop is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, so no age or skill level is neglected! The initial set up of the hoop is around 5 hours, but with that said…just look at the masterpiece you’ll be constructing! It is widely regarded as the best portable basketball hoop on the market, and I can personally say that it is! My family and I love it!