Searching for the best basketball hoop may seem daunting with all the available choices. To make things easier, we have assembled a list of our favorites based on cost, customer reviews, and unique characteristics that make these hoops stand out from the rest.
We'd argue that having your own basketball hoop gives you the option of getting a few extra hours of practice in wearing your best basketball shoes before your next game, which could prove valuable by the end of the season.
In terms of what to look out for though, it's important to first decide whether you want something freestanding, in-ground, or wall-mounted.
From there, you'll want to pick out a hoop made of metal as it should withstand wear and tear a little better. Something with a shatter-resistant backboard is a must, too, to ensure you can hit rebounds with confidence.
So, if you're after something wall-mounted, like this Silverback NXT hoop, or something freestanding, like this Yaheetech bit of kit, we've got you covered.
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding basketball hoops like how much you should spend and which hoop is best for driveways to help you figure out which net is best for you. Without further delay, here's our list of the best basketball hoops available now...
Best basketball hoop
- Best in-ground basketball hoop - Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
- Best moveable basketball hoop - Lifetime 52" Basketball Hoop
- Best junior basketball hoop - Lifetime 32" Youth Basketball Hoop
- Best budget basketball hoop - Yaheetech Basketball Hoop
- Best wall-mounted basketball hoop - Silverback NXT 54" Wall-Mounted Hoop
Best in-ground basketball hoop - Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
If you're looking for a permanent fitting, then this Silverback In-Ground net might be the perfect hoop to accompany your best basketball.
It features a 60" 'ghost'-tinted backboard which has been made using tempered glass to reduce the sun's glare and deliver a consistent rebound to help you finish off those second-chance efforts.
Read More: Best Jordans for basketball
Moreover, the hoop itself is flexible to minimise your risk of injury if you were to collide with it during a layup or dunk.
Once again, the frame is adjustable and the anchor mounting means you do have the option to unbolt and move the hoop if needed. So, all in all, we feel this in-ground hoop is definitely worth checking out.
Best moveable basketball hoop - Lifetime 52" Basketball Hoop
Lifetime is one of the leading manufacturers of basketball hoops around.
Its 52" Hoop, in particular, should be a great portable option as it has been designed to be easily transportable with 2 caster-like wheels to help you move it to wherever you want.
Read More: Best budget basketball shoes
In terms of features, it comes with a rust-resistant finish and a 52", steel-framed, shatterproof backboard, which is ideal if looking to attempt a dunk yourself.
It also includes an adjusting mechanism so you can change the height of the hoop to anywhere between 7.5-10 feet, meaning it will likely suit players across all adult age groups.
Best junior basketball hoop - Lifetime 32" Youth Basketball Hoop
Back to Lifetime now and a slightly smaller hoop designed more for junior and youth players.
The 32" Youth net includes a rust and weather-resistant frame and a 10-gallon base that can be filled with water or sand when playing, then emptied if you want to move it when you're not.
Read More: Best NBA jerseys
The rim is just 15" which is more suitable for younger players, and it is also foldable which makes the structure easier to store.
This hoop is also backed 5-year limited manufacturer warranty which is a handy addition if there were imperfections on the backboard for example.
Best budget basketball hoop - Yaheetech Basketball Hoop
The Yaheetech Basketball Hoop offers you a slightly cheaper alternative than some of the more premium products featured if you're working within a budget.
Again, the hoop is adjustable up to 9.2 Feet so you should have enough height to make things challenging even if you're fairly tall.
Read More: Best places to buy NBA jerseys
Moreover, the frame is made of durable, painted iron, and the backboard is crafted out of shatterproof PVC and PE which is ideal for safety when you attempt a slam dunk.
It also comes with two wheels at the front to make it easier to move and it's marketed as being easy to assemble which is helpful for when you just want to get up and play. All in all, it's definitely one to consider in our books.
Best wall-mounted basketball hoop - Silverback NXT 54" Wall-Mounted Hoop
While most basketball hoops are connected to the ground, the Silverback NXT stands out as this net has been designed to be mounted onto your house.
Silverback states the wall mount, backboard, and rim are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation depending on where you'd prefer to play.
In terms of durability, the 54" backboard is made from Infinity Edge acrylic which folds backward to provide increased rigidity and, therefore, helps to avoid it shattering when a ball rebounds off the plastic.
Read More: Best NBA jerseys of all time
Interestingly for a wall-mounted bit of kit, the hoop is adjustable thanks to an all-steel actuator and lock so you can train or play a game in your backyard with a net ranging between 7.5-10 feet as you see in the NBA.
So, if you're looking to sink dunks with ease in your best Air Jordans or the aptly named Nike Dunks, then this Silverback NXT could be the hoop for you.
Frequently asked questions about basketball hoop
With an array of different options out there, you may have a number of questions about basketball hoops.
If so, don't worry, because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
What size are the basketball hoops in the NBA?
The rims in the NBA have been 10-feet tall ever since James Naismith wrote 13 rules for a game he called “Basket Ball” in a Springfield YMCA gym in 1891.
Back then, your average player would have been under 6ft.
However, nowadays, basketball players are typically around the 6-foot-7 mark, with Tacko Fall currently taking the crown as the tallest active NBA player at 7ft 7.
As a result, basketball hoops measure 10-feet tall, with a regulation backboard measuring 6-feet wide by 3.5-feet tall.
Full-size basketball rims then come in at 18 inches in diameter.
What should you look for from a basketball hoop?
Before you buy a hoop, you'll want to ensure you have plenty of space to actually play in.
Once you know you have enough space, then you'll need to determine whether a portable, in-ground, or wall-mounted net is the best option for the location, so it's worth keeping an eye out for that.
Also, you should make sure you check what the backboard is made of because, if you're looking for a professional-level board, you'll need to make sure you pick up one made out of tempered glass.
How much should you spend on a basketball hoop?
Basketball hoops can vary massively in price, so deciding how much to spend will really come down to your own preference and available budget.
That said, while there are certainly a number of premium options out there, there are also several great budget hoops to choose from as well.
This Yaheetech Basketball Hoop, for instance, should offer you an effective way of playing basketball at home for less.
Ultimately though, the choice on how much to spend is entirely yours to make.
Which type of basketball hoop is best for a driveway?
This really depends on whether you want something permanent or not.
You can of course pick up a portable frame but, if you do want a permanent fixture, then you can either go for an in-ground mounted hoop or a wall-mounted net.
Be careful though with wall-mounted equipment as not all of them can be anchored to bricks, so you'd need to ensure you're drilling into something like wood for example.
Should you put sand or water in the base of your basketball hoop?
While both are commonly used to anchor down a non-mounted basketball hoop, we'd recommend using sand if possible.
This is because sand is much denser than water and, therefore, weighs more per gallon which should help increase stability.
The main drawback of this is sand can make your hoop harder to move. However, as most hoops come with handy wheels, you should be able to tilt it up and wheel it to wherever you're looking to place your hoop.
Should you cover your basketball hoop in the winter?
Leaving your basketball hoop exposed to rain, ice, and snow during winter will likely cause it to rust.
Therefore, we'd recommend you take down or cover your basketball hoop through winter to avoid any long-lasting damage.
As a make-shift cover, you can use a bin bag and duct tape to cover the hoop and, if you're not going to use it at all, remove the net if possible to prevent it from becoming worn down by the elements.
If your hoop is filled with water in the base, then we'd suggest draining it before it starts to get cold to stop it freezing and expanding.