We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Outdoor Fitness We Found the 10 Best Portable Basketball Hoops for Indoor and Outdoor Play We researched and tested picks from Spalding, Franklin Sports, and more By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 26, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Medically reviewed by Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Whether you want to practice your jump shot, play basketball with the kids, or blow off some steam on the weekends, portable basketball hoops allow for the convenience of doing it all at home. Unlike wall-mounted or in-ground hoops, all you need for a portable basketball hoop is some space to play. Portable hoops are typically less expensive, easier to move around, and adjustable, making the game more accessible—especially for younger players. Basketball coach Todd German says that portable basketball hoops can often be lowered to as low as 7 feet. He also says that rims on portable basketball hoops typically offer much more give, making them more forgiving for beginner players or little ones. A high-quality portable basketball hoop must withstand intense play and be sturdy and durable enough to handle bad weather conditions. We researched over 30 hoops from 10 trusted brands to select the best ones. We also tested our best overall hoop in our driveway, playing with the whole family several times a week for over a month. We evaluated it for setup, ease of use, quality, and value—it received a perfect score for all four attributes, which led us to choose it as our best overall pick. We also consulted basketball coaches and other experts in the field for their insight into what buyers should look for in a quality portable basketball hoop. Based on their expert recommendations and our in-depth research, we found the best options on the market for performance, portability, materials, adjustability, price, and durability. Verywell Fit FYI Our best overall pick is popular and often goes out of stock on Amazon, but you can also get it at Dick's Sporting Goods or on spalding.com. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Spalding Momentous EZ Assembly Portable Basketball Hoop at Amazon ($800) Jump to Review Best Budget: Lifetime Adjustable Basketball Hoop at Amazon ($176) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Silverback NXT Adjustable Basketball Hoop at Amazon ($550) Jump to Review Best for Driveway: Lifetime Portable Basketball System at Amazon ($210) Jump to Review Best for Kids: SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Best for the Whole Family: Lifetime XL Portable Basketball System at Amazon ($780) Jump to Review Best for the Pool: GoSports Splash Hoop Pro Pool Basketball Game at Amazon ($120) Jump to Review Best Indoor: SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Ball at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Franklin Sports Over the Door Basketball Hoop at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Acrylic Backboard: Spalding Screw Jack Portable Basketball Hoop at Dick's (See Price) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected and Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Spalding Momentous EZ Assembly Portable Basketball Hoop Amazon View On Amazon $800 View On Dick's $800 View On Spalding.com Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Quality 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Hand-crank adjustment Easy assembly in 30 minutes Spring-loaded breakaway rim Cons More expensive than others on our list If you're looking for a portable hoop that offers a professional game experience in your driveway, we recommend Spalding’s Momentous EZ Assembly Outdoor Hoop as our top pick. This hoop has a 54-inch clear acrylic backboard, and assembly is a breeze, so you can start playing immediately. All the assembly tools you need are included, and we found the setup instructions to be clear and easy to understand. This hoop adjusts from 8 to 10 feet and is easily adjusted with a crank handle. Even kids can do it with no problem. The base fills with 36 gallons of water or sand to stabilize the hoop. We filled ours with water, and it remained solid and stable and didn't move at all. It's also easy to drain some water and move it on its front wheels if necessary. The steel frame makes this hoop durable and sturdy. It never moves when we play, even during a game with many people. It has a spring-loaded breakaway rim for safety. We find the hoop attractive and well worth the higher price point. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Acrylic | Frame Material: Steel with aluminum trim | Height: 8’ to 10’ | Backboard Size: 54” Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Verywell Fit / Donna Freydkin Best Budget Lifetime Adjustable Basketball Hoop Amazon View On Amazon $176 View On Walmart $129 View On Home Depot $176 Pros Adjustable height Easy to assemble Fade-resistant backboard Cons Some may prefer a larger backboard Many quality, portable basketball systems come with a high price tag, but there are still deals to be found. A trusted, reliable manufacturer of portable hoops, Lifetime offers this budget-friendly option that we recommend for driveway play. It features a durable 44-inch backboard made from high-density polyethylene that’s resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking (although it may be too small for some). Fun for the entire family, the system has a telescoping pole that adjusts the rim height from 7.5 to 10.5 feet in 6-inch increments (no tools required). The 27-gallon base fills with water or sand for a stable foundation, yet it’s still easy to move to a different spot when necessary. A solid, well-supported steel rim and a weather-resistant nylon net add to the hoop’s durability. Key Specs:Backboard Material: High-density polyethylene | Frame Material: Powder-coated steel | Height: 7.5’ to 10’ | Backboard Size: 44” Best Adjustable Silverback NXT Adjustable Basketball Hoop Amazon View On Amazon $550 View On Walmart $500 Pros Five-year limited warranty Pro-style flex rim Durable backboard Cons Assembly may not be easy for one person Large base won’t fit in tight spaces 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—just don't forget to pair it with one of our best basketballs. The rim height is adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6-inch increments, so players of all ages and abilities can use it for training and competitive play. We like that moving the hoop is easy and painless, thanks to the system’s ErgoMove wheelbarrow design. It’s worth noting, however, that this hoop may be tough to assemble by yourself, and the large base means you’ll need to find a spot with plenty of room. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Polycarbonate | Frame Material: Powder-coated steel | Height: 7.5' to 10' | Backboard Size: 50" or 54” Best for Driveway Lifetime Portable Basketball System Amazon View On Amazon $210 View On Walmart $200 View On Home Depot $204 Pros Easy to assemble Good for tight spaces Budget-friendly Cons Some may prefer a larger backboard Not ideal for dunking For a hoop that doesn’t take up a lot of space and can be easily moved into the garage when necessary, we recommend the Lifetime 1269 Portable Basketball system. It features a durable, shatterproof, 44-inch backboard with a professional-looking design and fade-resistant graphics. The system is simple to assemble, and the three-piece telescopic steel pole lets you adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet. We also like that the base can be filled with either sand or water and that the transport wheels make it easy and hassle-free to move, but the smaller backboard and lightweight construction mean this hoop isn’t ideal for slam dunks. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Polycarbonate | Frame Material: Polyethylene | Height: 7.5' to 10' | Backboard Size: 44” Best for Kids SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System Amazon View On Amazon $130 View On Walmart $130 View On Dick's $170 Pros Ideal for kids and beginners Spring-loaded rim Shatterproof backboard Cons Not regulation height We recommend the SKLZ Pro Mini Portable Basketball Hoop for families who are short on space but want to allow kids to practice their skills. Although it doesn’t reach the regulation height of 10 feet, the system’s 3.5-to-7-foot range is ideal for younger players who are new to basketball. Easy to move, the hoop is flexible enough to use anywhere, including your driveway, poolside, or basement. The durable, shatterproof polycarbonate backboard and spring-loaded rim make it safe for dunking. We love that it offers the look, functionality, and durability of a professional-grade basketball system in a smaller size at a budget-friendly price. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Polycarbonate | Frame Material: Steel | Height: 3.5' to 7' | Backboard Size: 33” x 23” Best for the Whole Family Lifetime XL Portable Basketball System Amazon View On Amazon $780 View On Walmart $552 View On Tractor Supply Co. $550 Pros Durable and stable Allows for dunking Five-year manufacturer warranty Cons Thinner backboard Suitable for everything from learn-to-shoot drills to driveway pick-up games, we recommend this Lifetime hoop for families of basketball enthusiasts. With just one hand, the 18-inch standard steel rim can be easily adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet, so it grows with kids as they improve. The durable and weather-resistant backboard combines a thinner, polycarbonate playing surface with a steel frame, and we like the padding along the bottom for added protection. The 4-inch square, powder-coated steel pole offers plenty of stability, and the sturdy base is complete with wheels for easy transport. Unlike some portable hoops, this one is suitable and safe for dunking, thanks to the spring-back mechanism under the rim. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Makrolon polycarbonate | Frame Material: Steel | Height: 7.5' to 10' | Backboard Size: 54” Best for the Pool GoSports Splash Hoop Pro Pool Basketball Game Amazon View On Amazon $120 View On Walmart $120 View On Dick's $120 Pros Quick and easy setup Allows for dunking UV-resistant backboard Cons Poolside use only Not adjustable For players with a pool, this GoSports poolside hoop will help you play while beating the heat. With a durable backboard and rim that are specifically designed for pool play, we recommend this hoop for all water games. The ultra-sturdy, tip-resistant base can be filled with water and is designed to withstand rough play and slam dunks. Made of engineered plastic, we like that this set is built to last and holds up to exposure to the sun, rain, and pool water. Fast and easy to assemble, the hoop can be game-ready from the box in just a few minutes—but keep in mind that it’s not adjustable. The set also includes a ball pump and two water basketballs, so multiple players can shoot simultaneously. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Engineered plastic | Frame Material: Engineered plastic | Height: 40” | Backboard Size: 31” x 23” Best Indoor SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Ball Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $30 View On Dick's $30 Pros Easy to assemble and set up Breakaway steel rim Budget-friendly Cons Ball comes deflated When the weather turns frosty, it's time to take practicing your three-pointers indoors with this sturdy, over-the-door hoop. The system is easy to assemble and, with a slide-on door mount, sets up in minutes. We like that the thick foam padding protects doors from dents and scratches. This hoop has a clear polycarbonate shatterproof backboard similar to high-quality outdoor systems. It also comes with a breakaway steel rim that’s safe for dunking. A heavy-duty nylon net adds to the durability, while the replica graphics give it a professional vibe. It even comes with a deflated rubber mini-ball, perfect for swishing and dunking without causing damage. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Shatterproof polycarbonate | Frame Material: Alloy steel | Height: N/A | Backboard Size: 23” x 16” Best for Travel Franklin Sports Over the Door Basketball Hoop Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $23 Pros Budget-friendly Easy setup Protective foam backing Cons Net is not as durable as other options Backboard can get scratched If you want an indoor-use hoop that’s extremely portable, this Franklin Sports over-the-door model is perfect for taking on a road trip, bringing to the office, or setting up in a dorm room or home gym. It’s engineered to fit on all regular-sized doors and comes with a half-inch of EVA foam backing to protect surfaces. The dual-spring, 9-inch metal rim can withstand most dunking contests, while a shatter-resistant backboard and all-steel hardware add to the hoop’s durability. It even comes with a 5-inch rubber basketball, so you’ll be all set to start shooting. Just note that this hoop isn’t as sturdy as other options on our list, and the backboard may be easily scratched. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Shatterproof plastic | Frame Material: Steel | Height: N/A | Backboard Size: 17.75” x 12” The 12 Best Ankle Braces for Basketball of 2023 Best Acrylic Backboard Spalding Screw Jack Portable Basketball Hoop Target View On Dick's View On Target $229 Pros Easy-to-use screw jack lift Sturdy Weather-resistant Cons Assembly may not be easy for one person Heavier than other options Although hoops with glass backboards mimic the traditional indoor basketball experience, portable hoops with acrylic backboards are typically more affordable and durable. We recommend Spalding’s Screw Jack Portable Basketball System, a sturdy acrylic pick that offers similar performance to a glass backboard system. The system features a 54- or 60-inch backboard and a breakaway rim that holds up to dunking. The weather-resistant, heavy-duty steel frame is anchored with a sturdy 40-gallon base with two wheels for easy portability. You may need help assembling it, but this hoop’s serious weight means it will stay put for years to come. And you can adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet with the convenient, easy-to-use screw jack lift system. Key Specs:Backboard Material: Acrylic | Frame Material: Steel and aluminum | Height: 7.5 to 10 feet | Backboard Size: 54” or 60” How We Selected and Tested the Best Portable Basketball Hoops To find the best portable basketball hoops, we researched dozens of hoops from top-rated brands. We looked for the best hoops for different uses, including pool basketball hoops, over-the-door options, and ones designed specifically for kids. We also considered hoops at several different price points. We evaluated dozens of portable basketball hoops from top brands for ease of setup, backboard material, durability, stability, portability, and more. We also tested our top pick for over a month, playing with the whole family in our driveway multiple times a week. We assessed the hoop for setup, ease of use, quality, and value. We then rated it on a scale from 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for these four key categories. It earned a perfect score in every category, which led us to select it as our best overall pick. To help select the rest of the products on our list, we consulted two experts in the field, Todd German, basketball coach and director of McCracken Basketball Camps in Indiana, and Jason Miller, basketball coach and manager of hoop sales and installation for Breakthrough Basketball. We asked our experts for their input on what features to look for when shopping for high-quality portable basketball hoops. What to Look for in a Portable Basketball Hoop Backboard Material Backboards can come in three different materials: glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. Glass is the professional standard for indoor basketball games; It’s a durable material that provides great ball bounce and won't scratch or fade over time. However, it can easily break if hit with rocks, large branches, or other hard materials. Hoops with acrylic backboards, like the Spalding 54 In. Acrylic Portable Basketball System, are less expensive than glass ones and are usually more resilient. They’re ideal if you're worried about backboard damage. However, it's important to note that acrylic scratches easily, so it won't retain its new look or continue to provide great ball bounce over time. Polycarbonate backboards are also budget-friendly and can be even more durable than the acrylic ones. Although the look and feel are similar to those of acrylic, the material is actually denser and tougher. Durability For a hoop you can use for years to come, look for one that is made of durable, shatterproof, and weatherproof materials. Adjustability is also a key factor, especially if you’re buying a hoop for young players and want it to last as they grow. Placement The type and size of the basketball hoop that’s right for you will largely depend on where you want to place it. Before selecting one, make sure you have an area that’s spacious, flat, and paved (if outdoors). Poolside hoops, such as the GoSports Splash Hoop Pro Basketball Game, and over-the-door hoops, like the Franklin Sports Over the Door Basketball Hoop, are great options if you’re low on space or want to play indoors. Price The cost of portable hoops varies based on size, materials, and durability. According to German, portable basketball hoops that play just as well as permanent ones will likely cost you a pretty penny. However, they're worth the investment if you want a high-quality, sturdy hoop that lasts many years. If you’re not sure how much use the hoop will get, you may want to consider a budget-friendlier option with a smaller acrylic backboard. Frequently Asked Questions What size portable basketball hoop should I get? Many portable basketball hoops are adjustable from 7.5 to 10 feet, which is a great range that can accommodate kids as they grow and improve their skills. Backboards can range from 44 to 72 inches, which is the regulation size at the professional level. A 44-to-54-inch backboard is a good size for most skill levels and should provide enough space for shooting, rebounding, and practicing other skills.Another factor to consider when choosing a portable hoop is the size of the playing area available. Miller cautions that small boards on a large playing area can look and feel out of place and vice versa. How do you assemble a portable basketball hoop? All portable basketball hoops should come with assembly instructions, so your first step is to carefully read the directions. Next, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools for assembly. Determine whether the assembly is a solo job or whether you’ll need another set of hands to help.Once you have everything you need, fill the base to ensure it’s stable during play and harsh weather. The two most common fillers are water and sand, but you can also use a base gel that mixes with water so it won’t freeze in cold temperatures. Next, follow the instructions from the manufacturer to attach the pole, supports, backboard, rim, and net. How much does a portable basketball hoop weigh? Portable basketball hoops can vary in height and weight, but most range between 55 to 350 pounds, with the average being around 140 pounds. Systems with glass backboards are typically much heavier than those with acrylic or polycarbonate ones.When shopping for a hoop, you should be able to find the weight listed in the product description. Keep in mind that the weight listed by the manufacturer is how heavy the system is when it’s not filled with sand or water. How do you store a portable basketball hoop? If you’re not planning to use your portable basketball hoop during cold weather, storing it in a covered area like a garage, shed, or carport is best. If storing your hoop in a covered area isn’t possible, you should lower the rim to the lowest height, cover it with a tarp, and secure it with bungee cords. If you've filled your base with water, be sure to drain about one-quarter of it to allow for expansion from freezing. How do you make a portable basketball hoop? You only need a wire coat hanger for a very basic DIY portable basketball hoop that you can use indoors. First, form the wire hanger into a circle. Next, bend the hook so it’s at a 90-degree angle with the hoop. Now you have a ring that you can hook onto anything in the house and use to practice your shooting skills with a soft, light ball. If you want to make your hoop a bit more substantial, you can cut a backboard out of cardboard and tape it to the hoop. You can also use string or yarn to add a net. How much should a portable basketball hoop cost? You can expect to pay between $50 to $2,300 for a quality portable basketball hoop. Price will vary depending on the basketball hoop's type, material, and size. Indoor and over-the-door hoops tend to be budget-friendlier, while more durable, outdoor-proof hoops will typically cost you more. The cheapest option on our list is often available for $40, whereas our top recommendation, the Spalding The Beast Glass Portable Basketball Hoop was $2,299 when we published this list. Why Trust Verywell Fit Certified personal trainer, running coach, and fitness writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products. She knows that the right gear and equipment can tremendously improve performance. She started playing basketball in fifth grade and still has a passion for the game, whether she’s cheering in the stands, coaching kids, or playing in her driveway. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Dick’s Sporting Goods. Buying a basketball hoop for your home. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit